The American World Juniors squad captured gold for the second straight year, and they did so with some help from Johnny Gaudreau.
It was the first time in the US National Team’s history that they won back-to-back gold medals at the World Juniors, making this a historic victory for the program. It didn’t come easy as they had to fend off a pesky Finnish team in OT to take home the championship.
Of course, the American team was chalked full of magnificent players, but they also got some help in the form of a customized Gaudreau jersey that hung in the team’s locker room throughout the entirety of the tournament.
Following their historic win, the team posed with the jersey in the dressing room.
“13 and 21 with us every step of the way,” a social media post from USA Hockey read, referencing both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
13 and 21 with us every step of the way. ❤️ #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Ct7WKUr0w2
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 6, 2025
The Gaudreau brothers tragically passed away over the summer after the two were struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bikes on the shoulder of a road in rural New Jersey.
While Matthew never had the chance to represent his country in such a tournament, Johnny had an extensive history of repping the stars and stripes on the international stage. He helped the US capture a gold medal at the 2013 tournament, scoring seven goals and nine points to lead the team.
Johnny then went on to represent America in five editions of the IIHF World Hockey Championships, with the latest coming just last year as the US was prematurely eliminated in the quarterfinals to the eventual gold medal-winning Czechia.
Tributes have poured in for both the Gaudreau brothers since the tragic incident and their loss won’t soon be forgotten. Considering how often Gaudreau opted to play for his country, there is no doubt that this edition of the US World Juniors squad honoured his memory in the best way possible.
That #13 jersey wouldn’t look right without a gold medal right alongside it.