Golden Knights defenseman and Team USA player Noah Hanifin had a close friendship with the Gaudreau brothers. He was a teammate of Matthew’s at Boston College and skated alongside John for four seasons with the Calgary Flames. Having Guy Gaudreau around was commonplace during Hanifin’s time as Matthew’s classmate and John’s NHL teammate.

There was Guy Gaudreau, front and centre at Team USA’s practice, continuing to provide inspiration and honouring the memories of his late sons, Johnny and Matthew, ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Americans are thrilled Gaudreau is at the event.

Gaudreau thought John — the NHL star known as “Johnny Hockey” — had a chance to play for the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Instead, Dad was at dinner Monday night, in the team picture Tuesday and on the ice for the practice that followed.

Somewhere, up there in the heavens, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will be watching and cheering when Team USA hits the ice Thursday at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. “Johnny and Matthew were both a big part of USA Hockey,