When the U.S. men's hockey team begins Olympic competition on Feb. 12 against Latvia — in the locker room and on the ice — there will be a massive void without No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau. 

Gaudreau was killed by an alleged drunk driver, alongside his brother, Matthew, on Aug. 29, 2024, and the hockey community (and the world) was forever changed.

The Gaudreau family put out a statement on social media ahead of men's Olympic hockey tournament which expressed their "heartache knowing how much this moment meant to John."

The post described Gaudreau's desire to represent the U.S. at the Games. "In that final summer, John was training harder than ever, with his dad, pushing himself to be in the best shape of his life. He was determined to earn his spot on that Olympic roster," the Gaudreau family said.

"While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games," the family added.

While bittersweet, the family said they take comfort in knowing "John will be right there." And they added some final words of support for Gaudreau's former teammates, "Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride," said the family.