Johnny Gaudreau remembered as Team USA lifts World Championship trophy in his honor
After 92 long years, Team USA didn't just win, they delivered a moment that left the hockey world in tears. When the final buzzer sounded on their 1–0 overtime win against Switzerland at the IIHF Men's World Championship, American players didn't rush straight into celebration.
Instead, they carefully brought out a No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau jersey, holding it high as they accepted the trophy. This wasn't just a gold medal moment, it was a tribute to a fallen teammate who will forever be part of USA Hockey's heart.
Team USA's historic gold medal win breaks a 92-year championship drought
For the first time since 1933, the United States men's national ice hockey team stood on top of the world. Facing a gritty Swiss team at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Team USA battled through a tense, scoreless game that stretched into overtime.
Just two minutes in, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres delivered the golden goal, assisted by Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei.
But let's not forget the wall in net, Jeremy Swayman, who put up a 25-save shutout to keep the Americans alive. This wasn't just any win; it was decades in the making, snapping nearly a century-long drought and signaling a powerful new chapter for American hockey.
The touching
Johnny Gaudreau tribute
that stole the celebration
What stole the spotlight, though, was the tribute that followed.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed!
IC Markets
Start Now
Undo
Players, still in full gear, gathered Gaudreau's jersey and draped it lovingly over the championship trophy before posing for photos. Fans and viewers around the world were left teary-eyed as they watched this act of remembrance.
Gaudreau, affectionately called 'Johnny Hockey,' tragically passed away in August 2024 after a cycling accident involving a suspected drunk driver, alongside his brother Matthew. His loss rocked the hockey community, and throughout the tournament, Team USA kept his jersey hanging in the locker room as a source of motivation. On the biggest stage, they made sure Johnny was right there with them.
Also read -
Russia banned from 2026 Olympic ice hockey tournament: What this means for NHL stars and the sport's global future
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
NBA HOFer Shaquille O'Neal Predicts Big Future for Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg After Standout Summer League
Shaquille O'Neal Praises Cooper Flagg (Image Source - Getty Images) When a Hall of Fame icon like Shaquille O'Neal singles out a rookie for praise, fans take notice. His recent remarks about Dallas Mavericks newcomer Cooper Flagg have created buzz throughout the basketball community - and with good reason. Shaq's words reveal why he thinks Flagg is primed for success and why supporters should follow his journey closely. Shaquille O'Neal Calls Cooper Flagg a 'Great Young Man' with Exceptional Potential Shaquille O'Neal , known for his unfiltered opinions, has spoken highly of Flagg in recent interviews, including at a charity event and during promotional appearances. 'Great young man. I know both his parents very, very well,' Shaq said, noting the strong foundation the rookie brings to Dallas. Cooper Flagg (Image via Getty) He compared Flagg's situation to Dirk Nowitzki's early years, reminding fans that even all-time greats needed time to develop. 'Everything about this city, this organization, it's going to be the right place. We'll give him time to develop. Dirk wasn't Dirk when he first got here. I think this is a great organization, a great town for him to start off his NBA career.' Summer League Performance Confirms Shaq's Belief Shaq has also been impressed with Flagg's on-court performance, particularly during the NBA Summer League. 'In the highlights, he looks phenomenal. You must realize he's an 18-year-old kid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pierce Brosnan's Wife Lost 120 Pounds - This Is Her Now Undo You can't put too much pressure on him. From my experience, you get two years before people really start saying it's time to win, but I think he's way above that 18-year-old curve,' O'Neal said. Flagg turned heads with a dominant 31-point game, showing poise and skill under pressure - a performance that backed up the hype. What Makes Flagg Stand Out Among NBA Rookies • Versatility Across Positions: Can defend multiple spots, run the offense, and contribute without dominating the ball. • Maturity Beyond His Age: Displays strong decision-making and emotional control at just 18. • Early Signs of Star Power: Proved he can thrive under the spotlight with his Summer League play. • Balanced Perspective: Shaq urges patience, stressing that greatness takes time to fully develop. Why Dallas Offers the Ideal Environment for Cooper Flagg's Growth With deep ties to Texas, Shaquille O'Neal believes the Mavericks are the perfect team for Cooper Flagg . The roster - featuring Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving - provides veteran leadership and stability. This allows Flagg to progress without the immediate pressure of carrying a franchise. From Duke Dominance to NBA Expectations Before stepping onto an NBA court, Cooper Flagg made waves at Duke, winning nearly every major player of the year award as a freshman. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His combination of athleticism, defensive instincts, and playmaking skill made him one of the most anticipated draft prospects in years. Also read: Why the Golden State Warriors Declined Sacramento Kings' Bold $77 Million Push for Jonathan Kuminga; Inside the Rejected Trade Offer Shaq's Endorsement Signals Big Things Ahead When one of the NBA's most dominant players ever publicly backs a rookie, it's a strong indication of future greatness. Shaquille O'Neal's belief in Cooper Flagg suggests the Mavericks may have landed their next cornerstone. With the team's support and Cooper Flagg's relentless work ethic, Dallas fans could be watching the rise of their next superstar - and Shaq will be among the first to say, 'I told you so.' For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Matthew Tkachuk and Wayne Gretzky team up with Donald Trump to revive iconic Presidential Fitness Test for youth
Matthew Tkachuk and Wayne Gretzky team up with Donald Trump to revive iconic Presidential Fitness Test for youth (Image via Getty) Donald Trump 's new President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition now counts hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as well as Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk. This was made public on August 1, 2025, during a special ceremony at the White House. Bringing back the Presidential Fitness Award, the new Council will center on fitness in schools and collaborate with athletes, teams, and schools across the nation to keep children healthy and active. The Council also seeks to restore age-old college athletic customs, repair the transfer portal, and guard women's sports. Matthew Tkachuk and Wayne Gretzky to work with Donald Trump on youth fitness On August 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order at the White House to bring back the Council. During the ceremony, he introduced big names from the world of sports, including Matthew Tkachuk, who just won his second Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in June, and Wayne Gretzky, known as 'The Great One' in hockey. The Council will now have 20 members, including athletes and sports leaders like Saquon Barkley, Nick Bosa, Triple H, Roger Goodell, Mariano Rivera, Annika Sorenstam, and Gary Bettman. Working together, they will reintroduce the Presidential Fitness Test and help to strengthen physical education in classrooms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alabama: These Companies Are Overcharging You for Auto Insurance OTTO Quotes Learn More Undo For Matthew Tkachuk, who has fast become one of the most well-known American players in the NHL, this is a major occasion. His role on the Council shows how serious this new plan is about reaching kids and schools across the country. Matthew Tkachuk impressed White House during Florida Panthers' visit Following their second consecutive Stanley Cup, Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers visited the White House in February 2025. Tkachuk gave an honest address that dominated headlines during the trip. Also Read: Ben Shelton Shares Sweet Family Moment As His Father Tunes In For Trinity Rodman's Return To Washington Spirit 'Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today,' he said. 'You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So, thank you.' That visit may have helped lead to this new opportunity. Tkachuk is now more than a hockey star, he's part of a team helping shape fitness programs for kids across America. Working with Wayne Gretzky and others, Tkachuk will now help push for better health, stronger sports programs, and more support for school athletes nationwide. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Joel Embiid's knee injury report raises concern ahead of Philadelphia 76ers training camp
Joel Embiid's knee injury report raises concern ahead of Philadelphia 76ers training camp (Image Source: Getty Images) Joel Embiid has been one of the biggest stars for the Philadelphia 76ers in recent years. But now, his health has become a serious talking point again. Many people around the league are closely watching updates about his condition. There are also whispers that his team may not be very happy with the situation. Still, not everything is clear just yet. Growing concerns over Joel Embiid's knee as training camp returns remain uncertain Joel Embiid, the star center of the Philadelphia 76ers, is reportedly dealing with a troubling knee injury. According to a report by Brett Siegel on X, Embiid's recovery hasn't gone well this offseason. League sources told ClutchPoints that the 30-year-old has not been able to get back on the court as expected. The team isn't sure anymore if Joel Embiid will be ready when training camp begins later this year. There's growing doubt, and it's coming at a tough time. In 2021, the Philadelphia 76ers locked in Joel Embiid with a massive four-year contract worth around $213 million. It was clear they were all in on him as the face of the franchise. Then in 2024, they added even more time to that deal, hoping to keep him for the long run. But with all the injury trouble he's had lately, and the uncertainty heading into camp, some folks around the league are starting to wonder if the team jumped the gun by extending him again. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What Happens When You Massage Baking Soda Into Your Scalp Read More Undo But now, some people close to the league think the Philadelphia 76ers might be second-guessing that call. Embiid's injuries have been a repeated issue, and the concerns aren't going away. With his knee still bothering him, some are wondering if the team made the right choice. Joel Embiid's knee concerns: What rival teams said, when they said it, and how the doubts surfaced During the 2025 NBA Summer League held in Las Vegas in July, multiple team executives from the Eastern Conference shared their thoughts on the matter with ClutchPoints. One executive said that Philadelphia has been sending 'mixed signals' about Embiid's knee status. The word 'bad' was reportedly used by several sources to describe the condition of his knee this offseason. "People in the front office are nervous," one Eastern Conference executive said to ClutchPoints. "There's talk behind the scenes that the 76ers aren't fully confident in his recovery timeline." Joel Embiid has battled through a long list of injuries over the years — from his foot and back to his knee. Last season, he was limited to just 39 games after tearing his meniscus. With questions still hanging over his recovery, there's growing concern about what this means for Philly moving forward. Also Read: Andre Roberson and Steven Adams' reunion selfie brings back warm memories of Oklahoma City Thunder days So far, the Philadelphia 76ers haven't made any official comments about the situation. While fans wait to hear something concrete, updates have been trickling in through league insiders. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
