Team USA welcomed the father of late hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau to their 4 Nations Face-Off practice on Tuesday, hosting Guy Gaudreau as a guest coach the morning after he joined them for a pre-tournament team dinner.

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,