Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died on Aug. 29 when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver, who has been charged with two counts of death by auto, while riding bicycles near their home in Salem County, New Jersey.

For the players who will actually take the ice in the most high-profile hockey game in a decade and a half, however, it’s only ever been about the colors and the crest on their jerseys.

The Americans claimed a 3-1 win over Canada on Saturday at the Bell Centre, and with 6 points, they've earned a spot in the 4 Nations final.