Guy Gaudreau, the father of the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, was on the ice for Team USA's practice ahead of this week's 4 Nations Face-Off ❤️ (via @Sportsnet) pic.twitter.com/QhYwDzlhlt

MONTREAL — The father of the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is with the United States team at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Guy Gaudreau joined the U.S. players on the ice as a guest coach for practice Tuesday in Montreal and was at a team diner Monday night. Players who knew Johnny Gaudreau asked if Guy could be with them.

U.S. coach Mike Sullivan called having Gaudreau there "an honor." Johnny Gaudreau, Guy's oldest son, likely would have been a member of the team if not for his tragic passing.

Off, the United States team will take the ice with a heavy heart. On Aug. 29, the American hockey community lost a star in Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau. Among many other accolades,

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.

Team USA will be playing for a lot more than national pride at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. On Tuesday, the team revealed it has set aside a locker stall for the late Johnny Gaudreau, complete with a No.