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.
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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
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