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Team USA went through every emotion Sunday as the Americans captured a historic Olympic gold medal during the men’s hockey final at the Milan Cortina Games.
However, the magnitude of the USA victory wasn’t just about what transpired on the ice. Instead, Dylan Larkin and the American team took the time to celebrate two NHL greats that should’ve been at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Johnny and Matty Gaudreau tragically died in 2024 after being struck by a car, but their legacies continue to be important for American hockey. That includes a touching tribute that the entire team gave the Gaudreau family after Sunday’s victory.
MORE: Watch Johnny Gaudreau’s children join Team USA hockey gold medal celebration
After the American team finished celebrating on the Milan ice alongside the Gaudreau children, Larkin delivered a heartfelt speech to his former teammates.
It proved to be an impressive moment of unity and vulnerability for the gold medalist amidst one of the biggest moments in USA men’s hockey history. Larkin, like many other members of the U.S. team, have expressed how meaningful the Gaudreau brothers will always be for the growth of American hockey.
“Johnny and Matty should be here,” Larkin told reporters after the win over Canada. “Somehow they put a spell around our net where that puck didn’t go in. Ironic, because it’s on the defensive side. He would never have been back there. We miss him, and we love him, and we love his family.”
MORE: White House trolls Canada after Team USA Olympic gold medal win
Dylan Larkin celebrates with teammates in a men’s hockey game during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Throughout the tournament, Team USA has made a conscious effort of remembering the Gaudreau brothers. That includes placing Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey in the dressing room.
The Americans also have been spotted holding up that same jersey after the legendary victory. Meanwhile, the American flag was also carried around as they celebrated around the Milan Cortina Games.
OLYMPICS: Team USA flag bearers revealed for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Dylan Larkin gives touching Gaudreau family tribute after USA’s Olympic gold medal appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
However, the magnitude of the USA victory wasn’t just about what transpired on the ice. Instead, Dylan Larkin and the American team took the time to celebrate two NHL greats that should’ve been at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Johnny and Matty Gaudreau tragically died in 2024 after being struck by a car, but their legacies continue to be important for American hockey. That includes a touching tribute that the entire team gave the Gaudreau family after Sunday’s victory.
MORE: Watch Johnny Gaudreau’s children join Team USA hockey gold medal celebration
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After the American team finished celebrating on the Milan ice alongside the Gaudreau children, Larkin delivered a heartfelt speech to his former teammates.
It proved to be an impressive moment of unity and vulnerability for the gold medalist amidst one of the biggest moments in USA men’s hockey history. Larkin, like many other members of the U.S. team, have expressed how meaningful the Gaudreau brothers will always be for the growth of American hockey.
“Johnny and Matty should be here,” Larkin told reporters after the win over Canada. “Somehow they put a spell around our net where that puck didn’t go in. Ironic, because it’s on the defensive side. He would never have been back there. We miss him, and we love him, and we love his family.”
MORE: White House trolls Canada after Team USA Olympic gold medal win
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Dylan Larkin celebrates with teammates in a men’s hockey game during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Throughout the tournament, Team USA has made a conscious effort of remembering the Gaudreau brothers. That includes placing Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey in the dressing room.
The Americans also have been spotted holding up that same jersey after the legendary victory. Meanwhile, the American flag was also carried around as they celebrated around the Milan Cortina Games.
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OLYMPICS: Team USA flag bearers revealed for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Dylan Larkin gives touching Gaudreau family tribute after USA’s Olympic gold medal appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
