Team USA’s Gold Medal Win Becomes a Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
As nearly a year passes since the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau, his presence remains deeply felt in the world of hockey—especially for Team USA, who recently ended a 92-year drought by winning their first IIHF World Championship title since 1933. This historic achievement wasn’t just about breaking records or winning gold; it became a heartfelt tribute to a fallen teammate whose spirit continued to inspire every moment.
Following USA Hockey’s IIHF Worlds win, Zach Werenski was presented with the Player of the Game item, one of Johnny Gaudreau’s signature knit hats.
Werenski and Gaudreau were teammates in Columbus, and also on the 2024 USA World Championship team, the last competition Gaudreau… pic.twitter.com/6neBiV5NIC
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 26, 2025
Heading into the final against Switzerland, no one anticipated an emotional spectacle. Yet, what unfolded was more than just a game—it was a moving homage to Gaudreau. As the U.S. sealed a 1-0 victory in overtime, emotions swept through the arena. The atmosphere in the locker room, while charged with celebration, was equally weighed by Gaudreau’s absence. The moment Zach Werenski stepped out clutching Gaudreau’s jersey for the victory photo, it was clear this win was for more than just the team—it was for Johnny.
Goalie Jeremy Swayman put it best, saying, “This gold goes to him and the legacy that he’s paved.” For Werenski, who played alongside Gaudreau in both Columbus and at the previous World Championships, this tournament carried deep personal meaning. He emphasized that the gold medal belonged to Gaudreau more than anyone else.
Throughout the competition, Werenski honored Gaudreau before each game. His jersey was always present, hanging as a reminder. The memory of last year’s tournament—when they last shared the ice—was never far from his thoughts. After being named Player of the Game and receiving Johnny’s iconic knit beanie, Werenski was visibly emotional. The moment was powerful and heartbreaking.
But the tribute wasn’t limited to Werenski. The entire team felt Gaudreau’s presence. After the win, players waved his jersey on the ice, echoing a touching Instagram post from Johnny’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, who simply wrote, “All for you.” Swayman reflected on the moment with deep sincerity: “He would be here, obviously. We miss him terribly.”
The victory itself marked a major milestone for USA Hockey. Since 1933, the team had come close but never managed to win the World Championship. Forward Tage Thompson called the stat “crazy” and emphasized how motivated the team was to make history. Regardless of role—whether a starting player or bench support—every team member gave their all toward a shared purpose. That unity, he believed, is what ultimately brought them victory.
The emotional weight of this win also stemmed from a desire to rebound after their loss to Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier in the year. Historically overshadowed by Canada, which holds 28 titles, Team USA had long battled for recognition. Yet, this tournament shifted the momentum. With Canada suffering a shocking 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Denmark, the U.S. saw an opening—and seized it.
“This is what we live for,” Swayman declared, noting how focused and confident the team felt heading into the final. The shadow of 1933 loomed large, but the players were determined to rewrite the narrative. And they did.
This wasn’t just another championship—it was personal. Every goal, every save, every shift on the ice echoed Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy. For Team USA, this gold medal will always carry his name, not as a tribute to the past, but as a symbol of his lasting influence on the present and future of hockey.