U.S. Team Pays Pair of Classy Tributes to Johnny Gaudreau Before 4 Nations Face-Off

The late American left wing played more than his fair share of international hockey.

Johnny Gaudreau during the Blue Jackets' 4–2 win over the Lightning on Nov. 2, 2023. | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

For the inaugural edition of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the United States team will take the ice with a heavy heart.

On Aug. 29, the American hockey community lost a star in Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau. Among many other accolades, Gaudreau left behind an international resume that included a world junior championship gold medal and a world championship bronze medal.

Now, nearly six months after an alleged drunk driver killed him and his brother Matthew in their native New Jersey, Gaudreau's would-be teammates are taking care to honor him.

First, Guy Gaudreau—Johnny's father and a former hockey player at Division III Norwich—took the ice with the United States for its practice on Tuesday.

Guy Gaudreau was on the ice for the USA's practice ❤️ #4Nations pic.twitter.com/yYXH66Lkxc

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2025

Then, the Americans hung Gaudreau's jersey in their locker room, where it will remain for the duration of the tournament.

Team USA will keep a stall with a Gaudreau jersey and flag for the 4 Nations tournament ❤️

(via @NHL, @drosennhl) pic.twitter.com/LvWhnDuWzx

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 11, 2025

The United States is scheduled to open tournament play on Thursday against Finland at 8 p.m. EST in Montreal.

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