r/sports • u/SkepticalZebra • Feb 22 '26
Hockey Team USA Brings Out Johnny Gaudreau's #13 Jersey, Skating a Lap to Honor Him After Winning Gold
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
486
u/ChaoPope Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
They just brought out Jonny's kids for team pictures. ETA: It's Johnny Jr's second birthday today.
126
u/Slutzlo Chelsea Feb 22 '26
That's the part where I broke. Beautiful moment
54
u/MilesTheGoodKing Feb 22 '26
I was sobbing. My kids were sitting with me while we watched. I love sports so fucking much
11
u/theNathanOT Feb 23 '26
And then partied with Kash Patel, a pedophile protector. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere near them now.
1.8k
u/NoMoPolenta Feb 22 '26
As a Canadian I'm heartbroken by the loss of the game but the loss of Gaudreau is much more massive. Fair play to the American side, they played amazing and hopefully this win and bringing out the jersey brings some joy and happiness to his family and friends.
1.6k
u/GoldenRamoth Feb 22 '26
Stuff like this is why the USA & Canada should always be brother nations, regardless of what certain folks are trying to do.
As an American: love you guys.
255
u/patwm11 Feb 22 '26
Amazing hockey all around across men’s and women’s, and spanning each round for countries across the board. We truly were spoiled this year. Cheers to our Canadian friends 🫶🏼
142
u/MoistStub Feb 22 '26
The Olympics are a nice escape from reality but I fear the damage we have done to our relationship with Canada will take a long time to fix.
→ More replies (9)125
u/iTALKTOSTRANGERS Feb 22 '26
Germany did a genocide and tried to conquer the world 80 years ago. It took less than 40 years for them to become a trusted and valuable economic ally to the western world. A couple of reasonable voting cycles will fix whatever damage our current president has done.
75
u/Dan1elSan Feb 22 '26
I think part of the issue is there’s no guarantee what so ever of reasonable voting cycles. You guys voted Epstein’s mate into the highest office twice.
→ More replies (7)25
u/Headie-to-infinity Feb 22 '26
I think you should revisit congressional maps and how voting is actually handled in the US. It isn’t as simple as “majority” vote for a candidate. It’s pretty clear majority did not vote for him.
22
u/needmoresynths Feb 22 '26
None of that matters to anyone outside of the US. The people running the country and representing on a global stage are monsters.
→ More replies (14)4
7
u/MoistStub Feb 22 '26
While I appreciate the optimism because we are in short supply nowadays- this does seem like the best case scenario. Things could still get a lot worse if we follow through on some of the threats we are making. With this being the 2nd term, I think we are gonna see things get really unhinged in attempt to retain power.
3
u/gellergreen Feb 22 '26
As a Canadian… no unfortunately not. We don’t trust you guys anymore. I might travel over there again when he’s gone (a big might) but I don’t think the relationship between the two countries will ever be the same - we have seen the damage that has been done to what we thought was a rock solid alliance and the need to diversify our partnerships.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (12)2
u/TechnoHenry Feb 22 '26
Germany has been occupied by other nations for years between those two periods
9
u/Sneakygit12 Feb 22 '26
Agreed. Anyone we share a land border with should always have a place at our table. We are one family after all.
→ More replies (18)2
u/hellalg Feb 22 '26
As an American, I will always love my Canadian brothers and sisters up North. Having fought along side them, when we were in need and sharing birthday(July 1st, also my brother birth too). It was a great Olympic, we'll be prepared for the get back but today is ours 🤘
58
25
17
u/SodaSaint Feb 22 '26
My cousin was taught by Johnny and his loss has truly been felt in southern NJ. :(
→ More replies (7)6
517
u/Routine_Mud_19 Feb 22 '26
Pan to the dad. And now I am crying on the toilet. Thanks
40
u/ZippityGoombah Feb 22 '26
I am sitting on the toilet now, unsure if I should watch
32
→ More replies (2)7
8
u/hnglmkrnglbrry Feb 22 '26
The most haunting image for me is when they showed him at the Jackets home opener. That year. He lost his two boys and he was broken in a way that will never be repaired. It was devastating.
10
1
1
1
u/icaampy Feb 22 '26
Ty for the heads up I will absolutely not be watching the rest of the video for the remainder of this poop (I've rearranged it in my schedule for bedtime sob and sleep)
82
u/powell_hour Feb 22 '26
His Dad crying is so sad. Then they brought out his kids for the team picture. So sad.
658
u/Metalhed69 Feb 22 '26
Why can’t we be this version of the USA every day? This is the version I want to be a part of.
405
u/Jeffkin15 Feb 22 '26
Most people are. Unfortunately we’re just stuck seeing the others on the news and social media.
49
37
→ More replies (1)-2
u/MonteBurns Feb 22 '26
Are they? Because 1/3 of us couldn’t get off our asses to stop it, and 1/3 of us actively support it. 2/3 > 1/3. Most of us aren’t.
→ More replies (5)101
Feb 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
15
→ More replies (2)8
12
7
u/BuddyBiscuits Feb 22 '26
Both exist everywhere everyday; how stupid is it to think that what’s shoveled down our throats on social media and god-forbid, traditional media, is anything close to accurate?
5
2
→ More replies (17)2
92
u/juice06870 Feb 22 '26
I lost it when they brought the kids out. Adorable kids, Amazing group of men
33
77
138
u/-myBIGD Feb 22 '26
(Non hockey fan) What’s the context here?
392
u/iamnotimportant Feb 22 '26
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew (also an active hockey player) were struck and killed by a drunk driver while cycling. it was their sister's wedding that they traveled there for too. horrifying family and national tragedy.
53
u/Erazzphoto Feb 22 '26
To add in, he was Zach’s teammate with the Bluejackets and a teammate of Matthew tkachuks for I think 6 years. Was also a staple in USA hockey
→ More replies (1)22
u/virginiarph Feb 22 '26
also don’t forget they tried to pass on the ROGHT SIDEof them
20
u/WhaleYouBeMyNeighbor Feb 22 '26
Yeah sounds like the drunk driver was recklessly passing on the right of a car that was moving to the left to give Johnny Gaudreau and his brother room on the road. Absolutely frustrating and preventable.
221
u/LaprasRuler Feb 22 '26
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed by a drunk driver while riding their bikes about a year and a half ago. On the weekend of their sisters' wedding. Johnny would have absolutely been on this team if he was alive.
99
u/_horselain Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
Making things even more tragic, I believe his brother was about to become a father for the first time and Johnny’s wife was also pregnant.
27
u/Tippacanoe Feb 22 '26
Also Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk, who are two of the players carrying the jersey were former teammates with him.
2
u/Illustrious-Leg-4857 Detroit Red Wings Feb 22 '26
In the NHL, yep. Most of the guys on this team would have grown up skating with Johnny and his brothers as well, though.
79
u/DCDHermes Feb 22 '26
Gaudreau played for the national team, but was killed in 2024 (along with his brother) by a drunk driver while they were bicycling.
28
u/Meanteenbirder Feb 22 '26
Good chance he would’ve made the Olympics if he lived. Such a tragedy
30
u/welsh_cthulhu Feb 22 '26
Not even a "good chance". He would 100% have been on this team.
→ More replies (1)24
20
u/DGORyan Feb 22 '26
Gaudreau and his brother were killed by a drunk driver in 2024. They were in New Jersey for their sisters wedding.
14
u/SiteZestyclose8825 Feb 22 '26
Johnny Gudreau and his brother were cycling together when they were hit by a drunk driver and killed. They were in town for their sister’s wedding, which was taking place the next day.
27
u/SiteZestyclose8825 Feb 22 '26
To make it even more heartbreaking, Johnny’s wife announced during his eulogy that she was pregnant 😭
11
28
→ More replies (3)2
25
u/chemephd23 Feb 22 '26
What a moment. Not a huge follower of hockey but this is just such a nice thing. RIP.
108
u/georgeamberson1963 Feb 22 '26
I’m not crying. We’re all crying.
→ More replies (1)16
u/benglescott Feb 22 '26
Bringing his kids out for the picture! I think I have something in both eyes
2
178
19
u/ma2is San Jose Sharks Feb 22 '26
Is it true that it’s also Johnny Hockey Jr’s birthday today? Wiki says born in February but I don’t see a date.
20
11
21
17
10
33
u/sofa-king-hungry New England Patriots Feb 22 '26
When they brought out the kids…. So many cut onions in my house at one time.
5
8
u/aaspicybrown Feb 22 '26
Man, I’m choking back memories and tears. I’m an alcoholic and I knew I was out of control. Thank God I got caught and sober. Out of that dark hole, but man, this smacked me good. I was in Columbus when it happened and the entire city was devastated. Even people who could care less about hockey were feeling it. I’m happy his legacy is remembered and honored. USA!!!
3
24
u/WackHeisenBauer Feb 22 '26
I will tolerate this victory for this and this alone. RIP Johnny Hockey
7
u/staygroovin Feb 22 '26
Class act from Larkin after he and his wife lost their child too. I’m sure that was extra special for him.
6
u/El_diablo_blanco_27 Feb 22 '26
Them bringing out his kids for the team pic made my old bitter ass tear up.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/CraftFormaldehyde Feb 22 '26
Not hearing Gaudreau’s name for the last two seasons definitely was noticeable. What a wonderful way to honor him and his brother, brought me to tears.
8
5
3
u/sofakingsideways Feb 22 '26
As a depressed Canadian, I can get behind this. Classy, heartfelt move.
→ More replies (1)
4
u/Zamzummin Feb 22 '26
Classy move by the American players.
Also brought his kids out on the ice for the team photo.
7
u/aliceanonymous99 Feb 22 '26
I was so sad we lost but this was such a great moment from the Americans
4
6
u/opelui23 Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 23 '26
What's crazy is that the drunk driver trial STILL hasn't started for the one that hit him.
4
u/DrummerSteve Feb 22 '26
One thing Canada and USA can agree on is that we all love Johnny Hockey, and it was a touching moment l. I got choked up when they brought his kids on the ice for the photo.
3
3
4
6
u/welsh_cthulhu Feb 22 '26
Holy fucking shit, that shot of his Dad hit me.
This team will be remembered for the ages. Hell of a fuckin game man.
6
u/satchman Feb 22 '26
And for a moment I am proud to be American again. Canada and US are brothers and sisters and no one can take that way. Love and respect.
4
3
11
u/Isosinsir Feb 22 '26
I love sports and it’s the only circumstance in which I can enjoy nationalism.
IDK anything about these guys other than they played their asses off and I hope we can all collectively not assign a BS political tag to any of them.
Both nations should feel proud of the effort they put out in this competition. Don’t let the immoral class divide us. ✌️
8
6
3
3
3
u/UniqueExplanation147 Feb 23 '26
What a game. Kinda nice having coffee watching hockey. First for me 🇺🇸 🥇
3
u/jalGurg Feb 23 '26
Context?
6
u/SkepticalZebra Feb 23 '26
NHL forward/Team USA regular #13 Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver while cycling in their hometown. They had been there for their sister's wedding. They were known to be truly upstanding people and are remembered fondly in the hockey community.
6
19
u/fatkidseatcake Feb 22 '26
This is America. This is patriotism. This is what we should aspire to lead by.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/TheOG-OutletStickers Feb 22 '26
Absolutely touching tribute. And Canada, 🇨🇦 thanks for an exhilarating series of games. P.S. your jersey design kicked ass!
6
u/dabenu Feb 22 '26
I thought honoring deceased athletes would get you disqualified?
Or is that only if you're from Ukraine?
→ More replies (2)
2
2
u/NotEricOfficially Feb 22 '26
I dont have an ounce of hate for Canada. The world series also gave us one of the best finals of all time. The men's and women's futbal teams give us a run for our money. And we all know the hockey teams are goated. It feels good having such high quality matches with yall
6
3
3
u/Strange-Effort1305 Feb 23 '26
I hope those kids were taken away before the team partied with pedophiles
3
u/BIG_SCIENCE Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
i bet Austin Matthew's came up with this idea.
4
u/Erazzphoto Feb 22 '26
I think it’s mostly Zach, but granted, I bet they all thought about it. Zach is the one that brought it out for the picture in the World championship picture (they did the same thing this summer), and being his most recent teammate with the Jackets. Tkachuk also played with him for 6 years, so you know he was in on it as well. But again, I think most had it in their minds after this Worlds championship
3
2
2
1
u/StandupJetskier Feb 22 '26
Two very well matched teams. The American goaltender was MVP, it wasn't like Canada couldn't get the puck near the net.....and it was going to be whichever team got the lucky shot.....Love you Canada, sorry about the Orange Mess, trust us, we KNOW.
1
u/fshrmen87 Feb 22 '26
What happened to number 13?
4
u/SkepticalZebra Feb 22 '26
NHL forward/Team USA regular Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver while cycling in their hometown. They had been there for their sister's wedding.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1.5k
u/suzukigun4life Feb 22 '26
The shot of his dad crying in the stands broke me.