How Team USA Honored Johnny Gaudreau Before 4 Nations Final

The anticipated matchup between Canada and the United States had TD Garden emotionally charged Thursday night before the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.

A tribute driven by local connections added to that environment when 1980 Olympic gold medalist Mike Eruzione, a Winthrop, Mass. native, stepped on the ice as Team USA’s honorary captain wearing a Johnny Gaudreau jersey, which earned a roar from the packed crowd.

You can watch the moment here.

Gaudreau, the former Boston College and Columbus Blue Jackets star, and his brother Matthew died last August when an alleged drunk driver hit the brothers riding on their bicycles.

Gaudreau’s wife Meredith showed her support for Team USA by returning to TD Garden to attend the international championship matchup Thursday night.