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.

Johnny and Matthew were an important part of USA Hockey and a tremendous loss. They’re with us in spirit," Team USA G.M. Bill Guerin said.

Guy Gaudreau, right, the father of the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau joins U.S.A. team players Noah Hanifin (15) and Matt Boldy (12) on the ice during 4 Nations Face-Off hockey practice in Montreal,

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,