Team USA men’s hockey honored late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau after their 2-1 OT gold medal win over Canada at the 2026 Olympics by hoisting his iconic No. 13 jersey during a victory lap and inviting his children, Noa (3) and Johnny Jr. (2), onto the ice for an iconic team photo.
President Donald Trump congratulated the U.S. men’s hockey team on Truth Social after their dramatic victory over Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal game. Similarly, Jack Hughes, who scored the overtime-winning goal, told NBC he was “proud to be an American,” emphasizing his national pride.
Explaining the background, Olympian Zach Werenski stated, “We wanted to get the whole family on, but it was kind of hard with the gate, so we figured we’d grab the kids. But it was a special moment seeing (their parents) Guy and Jane.”
The gold medal winner and alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets explained, “And to see his family here supporting us and seeing his kids, bringing them on the ice, we talked about playing for him, making him proud, and I think we did that.”
Likewise, Brock Faber added, “Just shows the lasting impact he’ll forever have on this team. His jersey will always be hung up in this locker room, and just really puts things into perspective when you see those kids on the ice and his family in the stands.”
Meredith Gaudreau, the sister of the fallen NHL star, said that the gesture “Means everything to me. John too most of all.” Likewise, Katie Gaudreau, the player’s widow, stated, “When they went and got Johnny (Jr.) on his second birthday and Noa, it truly meant the world to us because, honestly, this is what John wanted for his children. He wanted them to experience these experiences, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that he worked so hard for.”
Highlighting the touching moment on social media, one user noted, “Team USA just won gold and gave Johnny Gaudreau’s kids the moment of a lifetime—his jersey raised high with his babies in the frame. Hockey lost him too soon, but love like this never dies. Rest easy, Johnny. This one’s for you and Matthew.❤️” Reacting to the last-minute win on social media, President Trump posted, “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!” emphatically adding, “WHAT A GAME!!! LOTS OF WINNING!!!”
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Watch the sweet moment here:
Speaking after the stunning victory in a post-game interview with NBC’s Kathryn Tappen, Jack Hughes declared, “This is all about our country right now!” Building on this point, he stated, “I love the USA! I love my teammates! It’s unbelievable! I’m so proud to be an American today!”
Reacting to Trump’s celebration, one crazed liberal melted down on social media. “THIS IS NOT NORMAL: Donald Trump just post a video inserting himself in last night’s Olympic victory and depicts him punching and beating Canadian hockey players. There is no planet where this is normal or presidential. Trump is an embarrassment to the world and he is very ill,” the progressive alleged.
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video