Zach Werenski honors Johnny Gaudreau at the 2026 Winter Olympics with emotional tribute
Zach Werenski will play for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The defenseman arrived in Italy wearing a sweatshirt from the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, honouring his late friend and former teammate Johnny Gaudreau. Their bond extended beyond the ice, with Werenski now representing the Gaudreau family at the Games.
Werenski and Gaudreau first became teammates with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they played together for two seasons. Their friendship grew stronger as they also represented Team USA at the IIHF World Championships in 2019 and 2024.
Gaudreau had a standout international career, winning gold at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship. He later became the highest-scoring American in men's IIHF history, recording 43 points in 40 games across five tournaments (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024).
The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, named after Johnny and his late brother, supports youth hockey programmes and families affected by tragedy or drunk driving. Werenski's decision to wear the foundation's sweatshirt highlights his ongoing connection to the Gaudreau legacy.
Werenski's participation in the 2026 Olympics marks another chapter in his international career. By wearing the Gaudreau Foundation's sweatshirt, he pays tribute to a teammate and friend whose impact extended far beyond hockey. The Games will serve as a reminder of their shared history on and off the ice.
