Zach Werenski, Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk doing a lap with Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey after winning gold for Team USA is incredibly moving đź’ž
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“We felt like he was with us in spirit,” Matthews told TSN’s Ryan Rishaug after the game. “Having his jersey there meant a lot. A lot of guys on this team grew up with him, played with him in Boston and he had a big impact on a lot of guys. So it’s great to have his family here and have his guys out there taking pictures with everyone and being able to celebrate that. We’re thinking of him, he certainly played a big role in a lot of guys’ lives.”
Gaudreau, who was killed in August 2024 after he and his brother Matthew were struck by a drunk driver while biking on a road in Salem County, New Jersey, played an important role with USA Hockey during his career.
USA opened the scoring early on a breakaway goal from Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy, before Canada tied things up in the second period on a goal from Colorado Avalanche forward Cale Makar. The third period was pure chaos, with a number of crucial missed chances by Canada, a four-minute power play for the US that Canada killed, and a subsequent penalty for the US that they finished towards the end of the period. Finally, New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scored the golden goal in 3-on-3 overtime to capture the gold medal.
“It feels good, it feels really good,” Matthews said. “It’s incredible, I don’t even know what to say. A special group of guys. This is the goal, you want to put yourself in a position to do something like this, and it’s been a long time coming for USA. I just couldn’t be happier.”
The United States and Canada were the only two undefeated teams left, with the US defeating Sweden in the quarterfinals before dismantling Slovakia in the semifinals and ultimately winning the gold medal match against Canada.
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#USA #teammates #Auston #Matthews #honor #late #Johnny #Gaudreau #gold #medal #victory