Meredith Gaudreau told ABC News' Kyra Phillips that the continued support from the hockey community is heartwarming.
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"It's more than I can ask for right now. It's still every day is kind of a gut punch," Meredith Gaudreau said.
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: The family of the late Johnny Gaudreau celebrate after the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa, Getty Images)
US team members stand with the jersey number 13 of late US ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau the medal ceremony after winning the men's gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in August 2024 after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP via Getty Images)
(ANTONIN THUILLIER, AFP via Getty Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; United States players celebrate with a team photo while holding the jersey of Johnny Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Meredith Gaudreau walks in the stands after the United States won the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
(James Lang, James Lang-Imagn Images)
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Jeremy Swayman #1, Jackson LaCombe #2, Brady Tkachuk #7 and Zach Werenski #8 of Team United States hold the shirt of late Johnny Gaudreau while participating in the national anthem during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Zach Werenski (left) and Jack Hughes of the United States celebrate after winning the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
(James Lang, James Lang-Imagn Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; The United States celebrates after winning the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
(James Lang, James Lang-Imagn Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: The family of the late Johnny Gaudreau celebrate after the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: The family of the late Johnny Gaudreau celebrate after the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
US team members stand with the jersey number 13 of late US ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau the medal ceremony after winning the men's gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in August 2024 after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP via Getty Images)
(ANTONIN THUILLIER, AFP via Getty Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; United States players celebrate with a team photo while holding the jersey of Johnny Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Meredith Gaudreau walks in the stands after the United States won the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
(James Lang, James Lang-Imagn Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Jeremy Swayman #1, Jackson LaCombe #2, Brady Tkachuk #7 and Zach Werenski #8 of Team United States hold the shirt of late Johnny Gaudreau while participating in the national anthem during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Zach Werenski (left) and Jack Hughes of the United States celebrate after winning the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
(James Lang, James Lang-Imagn Images)
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Johnny Gaudreau's family on hand for Team USA Olympic win
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; The United States celebrates after winning the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
(James Lang, James Lang-Imagn Images)
Johnny Gaudreau, 31,died on Aug. 29, 2024, along with his brother, 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau, after being struck by a vehicle while bicycling inNew Jersey. The incident occurred the day before their sister was to be married.
Johnny Gaudreau would have likely made the 2026 Olympic team, many hockey players and experts have said. He represented the United States multiple times in international competition, including the IIHF World Championship in 2024. Gaudreau recorded 43 points in 40 games, the most points in USA men's IIHF history.
Gaudreau family invited to Italy by USA Hockey
USA Hockeyinvited members of the Gaudreau familyto Italy to see the games. Meredith, Noa and Johnny Jr., who celebrated his second birthday on Feb. 22, as well as Jane and Guy Gaudreau, the brothers' parents, made the trip.
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"He would've just been really happy they were there to be a part of it," Meredith Gaudreau said. "Noa never missed one of his games."
When it came time for the kids to go on the ice after the win, Noa was eager to get out there, Meredith Gaudreau said, especially with Johnny'sColumbus Blue Jacketsteammate,Zach Werenski, who she knows well.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski and Brady Tkachuk attend a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski attend a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Team USA Men's Hockey attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Team USA MEn's Hockey attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matthew Tkachuk and Team USA Men's Hockey attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski attend a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski and Brady Tkachuk attend a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski attend a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Team USA Men's Hockey attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Team USA MEn's Hockey attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matthew Tkachuk and Team USA Men's Hockey attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Zach Werenski attends a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
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Blue Jackets' Werenski parties in Miami after US gold medal victory
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski attend a celebration of the USA Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold at E11EVEN Miami on February 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
(Alexander Tamargo, Getty Images for E11EVEN Miami)
"She was real excited to jump right into his arms," Meredith said. "She knows 13. I said 'They have Daddy's jersey and they want to take a picture. They're doing this because of Daddy. We get to do this because of Daddy. They love him and miss him too.'"
"They're really good people, really good friends of ours. I consider them really great role models," Gaudreau said. "It goes to show me how much they love John and all the respect they have for him."
Team USA kept a Gaudreau jersey in the locker room throughout the Olympic tournament, and Werenski,Auston MatthewsandMatthew Tkachukskated it around the ice after the gold medal game ended.
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Jeremy Swayman #1, Jackson LaCombe #2, Brady Tkachuk #7 and Zach Werenski #8 of Team United States hold the shirt of late Johnny Gaudreau while participating in the national anthem during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
In speaking to Phillips, Meredith Gaudreau said the couple's youngest son, Carter, does not yet have his passport so he watched the game from home while wearing a sweater with Johnny's number 13. Meredith said Carter is already running around and playing hockey on the carpet at about 11 months old.
