Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith melts over Team USA's heartfelt gesture for No. 13 in 4 Nations Face-Off locker room

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith was moved by Team USA's heartfelt locker room tribute to the late hockey star at the 4 Nations Face-Off event. The team set aside a locker stall for Gaudreau, where his jersey number 13 and an American flag were displayed in his honor.

Meredith shared a photo of the touching tribute on her Instagram story:

"Wish we could be there cheering for Daddy. Thank you, Go USA."

Meredith's Instagram story Credit:@meredithgaudreau

Johnny and his brother Matthew, tragically died in August 2024 after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey.

The talented forward represented Team USA, winning medals at the 2010 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships, and 2018 IIHF World Championships.

Gaudreau's father, Guy, was invited by players and coaches to join the team on the ice ahead of the tournament's opening on Wednesday. The 4 Nations Face-Off is taking place in Montreal this year instead of the traditional All-Star Game.

Team USA will be looking to capture its first senior international title since the 1996 Hockey World Cup.

Team USA remembers Johnny Gaudreau at the 4 Nations Face-Off

From the locker room to team dinners, Johnny Gaudreau’s presence is felt everywhere by the Team USA players.

"We all know what we're playing for with him and how we want to honor him," said USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy. "He's with this team and everybody knows him and what he meant to USA Hockey and hockey itself."

Gaudreau was a legend for Team USA, scoring clutch goals at multiple World Championships and World Juniors.

"He was a USA Hockey legend. He's a guy that probably would have been on this team," noted defenseman Zach Werenski. "It definitely gives us some extra motivation."

Hockey icon Mike Modano summed it up: "Johnny and Matthew are looking down and we're going to play the tournament for those guys and represent them as hard as we can."

Team USA will open the 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland on Thursday night at Montreal’s Bell Centre.