On Aug. 29, 2024, former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau tragically passed away at the age of 31 alongside his younger brother, Matthew, 29, after they were struck by an SUV while riding bicycles in New Jersey ahead of their sister’s wedding. Authorities said the driver was suspected of being under the influence.
There was a strong chance Johnny would have been part of this U.S. Olympic team in Milan this winter, and as the world saw, the team carried his name with them all the way to the gold medal game against Canada last Sunday. Team USA secured a 2–1 overtime victory to capture its first Olympic gold medal since 1980.
Gaudreau’s family — his parents, wife and two children — were in attendance for the game. Following the win, members of Team USA brought them onto the ice for group photos while holding a custom USA Gaudreau jersey that had been with the team throughout the tournament.
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While it was the most emotional moment for everyone involved, NBC — the network broadcasting both the game and the Olympics — received significant praise Wednesday, days after the conclusion of the Games.
Front Office Sports reported that NBC executives Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of NBCUniversal, and Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, “personally ensured” the Gaudreau family could witness the U.S. men’s hockey team win gold.
“When Brian [Roberts] learned the team was planning to honor Johnny by hanging his jersey in the locker room, he reached out to see if we could bring the Gaudreau family to the Games — and we quickly got to work,” Zenkel said. “In all my decades working on the Olympic Games, this was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve been a part of.”
Johnny’s wife, Meredith, quickly agreed, recognizing that attending the Olympics was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I’m so glad that we were invited. So glad I said yes. So glad I brought the kids. As I’m reflecting on all these videos now, this was all for them,” she told Front Office Sports. “I feel like I have two roles in life right now — honoring John and giving my kids a special life. When those two things combine, that’s all that matters to me.”
“That’s a seriously powerful gesture by NBC! Major props for making that happen for the Gaudreau family. Honoring Johnny’s memory with a gold medal win…chills!” A fan said.
Someone else added, “This doesn’t surprise me at all based on my work with NBC Sports truly a great company with people who care.”
Another person added, “It was very moving, it brought tears to my eyes.”
“It was beautiful and grown men cried like babies, including me,” one more fan commented.
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