While focused on earning their country glory in IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Tournament, Team USA is also taking time to honor the life and legacy of one of their former stars.
The team has held a stall for Johnny Gaudreau in their locker room, where his jersey is hanging alongside the rest of the team.
Team USA has a stall for Johnny Gaudreau in their World Junior locker room 🥲🇺🇸
(via @usahockey) pic.twitter.com/GuQHWJJABK
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 4, 2025
Gaudreau was a member of Team USA in 2013 when they won gold in the World Junior Championship. He led the tournament that year in goals with seven, including a hat trick in the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic to help power the USA to the semifinal.
The 31-year-old and his brother, Matthew, were killed in August 2024 after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling.
Capitals’ prospect and Team USA Captain Ryan Leonard spoke about Gaudreau’s legacy and play mindset in the tribute video.
“Anytime you look over in the corner of the locker room and you see him, it always puts a smile on my face,” Leonard said. “I know he’s going to have my back out there during the game.”
Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, reposted the touching tribute on her Instagram Story.
“🥹♥️” she wrote. “Thank you 💙 @usahockey.”
Alongside his 2013 gold medal, Gaudreau had an impressive international career. The center also played in the Men’s IIHF tournament five different times, where his 43 career points hold the record for most points by a Team USA member.
Leonard, who plays at Boston College like Gaudreau did, held the honor of being teammates with his fellow Eagle during the tournament this past summer. Gaudreau played left wing on the first line while Leonard slotted into right wing on the third line.
First look at lines for #MensWorlds 👀 pic.twitter.com/YLE4lBUi0T
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 7, 2024
The two also played a round of golf together over the summer alongside Kevin Hayes and Will Smith, which Leonard denoted as one of his “favorite memories” with Gaudreau.
Leonard has six points (4G, 2A) across five games of the World Junior Championship so far. As Captain of Team USA, Leonard is striving for his squad to channel the positive energy that made Johnny Hockey so special.
“We emphasize…just going out and having fun and being free,” Leonard said. “That’s really what John did out there and that’s why he’s one of the best of all time.”
USA Hockey will play in a semifinal matchup against Czechia Saturday on NHL Network at 7:30pm. The team is looking to reach the finals and win gold for a second straight year.
