MILANO CORTINA, Italy — Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey circled the ice on sticks held by his Team USA teammates. Players skated a somber lap around the rink, the crowd falling silent as they paid tribute to the man they called “Johnny Hockey.” The moment capped the U.S. women’s hockey team’s 3-1 victory over Canada in the Olympic final on Saturday.

Gaudreau, a dynamic forward known for his dazzling speed and skill, had been a fixture on American rosters since 2013. He burst onto the scene with the U.S. junior national team and later starred in international play. At the 2024 IIHF World Championship, he tallied three goals and eight assists, helping drive the Americans deep into the tournament.

That brilliance ended abruptly last summer. On Aug. 29, 2024, Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles near their home in New Jersey. Jacob D. McDonell faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence in the crash that shocked the NHL and hockey community worldwide.

Gaudreau’s absence loomed large over Team USA this winter. The Calgary Flames winger had dreamed of Olympic glory, having represented the U.S. at multiple world championships and the 2014 Sochi Games. Teammates wore memorial patches throughout the tournament, but the jersey lap stood out as the most poignant homage.

“Johnny should be here with us,” forward Kendall Coyne Schofield said after the medal ceremony, her voice breaking. “This one’s for him.” Captain Abbey Murphy echoed the sentiment, adding that Gaudreau’s spirit fueled their comeback from a 1-0 deficit in the third period.

The U.S. team dominated the tournament, going 6-0-0 and outscoring opponents 32-6. Goals from Murphy, Chloe Primerano and Laila Edwards sealed the gold-medal win. Celebrations erupted immediately after the final buzzer, but players paused for Gaudreau amid the joy.

Hockey officials praised the tribute. USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher called it “a fitting way to honor one of our best.” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement congratulating the team and noting Gaudreau’s enduring legacy.

Gaudreau’s career highlights included two Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship and a Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2012. He amassed 399 goals and 743 points in 11 NHL seasons, mostly with the Flames before a trade to Columbus. Off the ice, he was a devoted family man, often biking with his brother.

The tragedy drew widespread mourning. Thousands attended memorial services in Calgary and Philadelphia. Fellow NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Auston Matthews shared stories of Gaudreau’s infectious passion for the game.

For Team USA, the gold marked their first since 2018. The victory avenged a 2022 bronze-medal disappointment and solidified their status as world beaters. Yet Gaudreau’s shadow added depth to the triumph, reminding players and fans of hockey’s tight-knit bonds.

As confetti fell and medals gleamed, the jersey lap lingered in memories. It transformed a national celebration into a personal one, ensuring Johnny Gaudreau skated one last victory lap with his country.