Who's to blame for the un-American ban on tailgating at the World Cup?



Parking lots may be a no-go zone for fans in World Cup host cities in the U.S. this summer.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup will see 11 U.S. cities host games, utilizing the plethora of professional-tier stadiums across the country. Several of these stadiums, however, will have a ban on the American tradition of tailgating.

'Site-specific restrictions may be imposed.'

Of the 11 cities, four are reportedly banning the pregame festivities that often enhance the fan experience ahead of events. Boston's host city committee has announced a ban at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and a ban at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium was confirmed by local outlets.

Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, will enforce bans, too, according to Bleacher Report and the Big Lead.

In response to the bans, a FIFA spokesman told Blaze News that the soccer organization has no formal prohibition on tailgating.

"FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas)," the spokesman said.

"However, site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with host city public safety authorities in certain venues based on local regulations," he added. "Additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."

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Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

With seven other U.S. venues up in the air, FIFA did not respond to requests for an exhaustive list of which stadiums are enforcing a tailgate ban.

At the same time, the White House provided the following response when asked about the bans on the American tradition:

"The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Blaze News.

"This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history."

Parking restrictions

Not only has tailgating been banned at Gillette Stadium, dubbed "Boston Stadium" for the purpose of the tournament, but parking will be severely limited. Radio station WRKO reported that stadium parking will be reduced to just 25% capacity at 5,000, while WBZ radio noted that round-trip train tickets to Foxborough will be $80, four times the typical $20 for NFL games.

The story is the same for MetLife Stadium, where the New Jersey hosting committee says parking will be prohibited. According to NJ.com, nearby parking is already sold out at $225 per space.

Understanding the parking restrictions appears to be a case of reading between the lines.

When asked about tailgating and parking enforcement around BC Place in Vancouver, Canada — one of two Canadian World Cup venues — a committee spokesman revealed that typical stadium parking will be taken up by FIFA.

"Many parking lots immediately adjacent to BC Place Vancouver will be occupied by FIFA for stadium-specific activities for the duration of the tournament," communications manager David Harrison told Blaze News.

Similarly, a New Jersey host committee spokeswoman told NJ.com that parking would be limited at MetLife because the lots will be in use for other functions, like enhanced security and portions "dedicated to fan engagement."

RELATED: Unpaid bill has Foxboro refusing to grant license for World Cup games at Gillette Stadium

Barry Chin/The Boston Globe/Getty Images

Tailgating policy remains up in the air for the following U.S. venues: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; NRG Stadium in Houston; SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles; Hard Rock Stadium in Miami; Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California; and Lumen Field in Seattle.

Vancouver police told Blaze News that tailgating is not typical for their stadium, as it exists in their downtown area, but there is no designated place for fans to do so either.

Estadio Azteca, a host venue in Mexico City, did not respond to requests for comment.

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Masked men open fire after storming into Chick-fil-A; 1 dead, 6 injured; manhunt underway



One person is dead and six others were injured after masked men stormed into a New Jersey Chick-fil-A on Saturday night and opened fire, WNYW-TV reported.

Police said the shooting began around 9 p.m. at the restaurant on Route 22 in Union Township, the station said.

Democrat New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said in a statement posted to X that 'our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we are hoping for the full recovery of those who were injured.'

Responding officers found seven victims at the scene, WNYW reported, citing the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

The six surviving victims all suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover, the station added.

Investigators told WNYW the masked men went behind the restaurant's counter before opening fire.

Dashcam video recorded what appeared to be a masked individual running from the restaurant with a gun.

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Authorities believe the shooting was targeted and not a random act of violence, the station said, adding that officials have not released the identity of the person who was killed, and it remains unclear whether the victims were employees or customers.

The suspects remain at large, and a manhunt is underway, WNYW said.

One worker’s father described the scene as a “war zone," the New York Post reported.

Democrat New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said in a statement posted to X that "our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we are hoping for the full recovery of those who were injured," WNYW noted.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is asking the public to submit tips by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org — noting that tips resulting in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via Union County Crime Stoppers, the Post reported.

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Assistant DA gets slap on wrist after birthday celebration ends with vomit and field sobriety test: VIDEO



A New Jersey woman tasked with prosecuting lawbreakers, including those driving under the influence, has received a slap on the wrist after her 30th birthday turned into a night she would probably like to forget.

On March 8, 2025, Bryashia Atchison-Henderson, an assistant prosecutor in Essex County, apparently celebrated turning the big 3-0 a little too hard. A driver contacted police after allegedly witnessing Atchison-Henderson make a sharp turn and then fall out of her vehicle.

'She threw up in the car.'

Edgewater police found Atchison-Henderson lying in a parking lot near her car, which was parked on a curb and still running, bodycam footage revealed. She also told the cops, "I didn’t realize I was this drunk," prompting a field sobriety test.

"You kinda just admitted to me that you were drunk," one officer says on the video.

She had difficulty standing and could not correctly identify her location, video showed. She also began to cry and repeatedly begged to call her son's father.

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Atchison-Henderson was arrested around 8:30 p.m. and placed in the back of a police cruiser. One of the arresting officers later told a colleague, "She threw up in the car."

While at the station, she allegedly refused a breathalyzer. She also vomited again, this time in the processing room, authorities said, according to NJ.com.

For over a year, Atchison-Henderson continued working at the prosecutor's office with a DUI charge looming over her head. The office did not acknowledge her arrest until four months later, the New Jersey Globe reported.

On April 2, 2026, she pled guilty to reckless driving. She will reportedly have to pay a $340 fine plus court costs. The Globe noted that the reckless driving conviction will also likely result in points on her record.

A charge of refusing a breathalyzer had already been dropped.

The Essex County prosecutor's office confirmed to NJ.com that Atchison-Henderson remains employed but declined to comment on any possible disciplinary action she may face.

"Administrative investigations are confidential," the office said in a statement. "As such, we are unable to comment on the matter."

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'H-1B workers ONLY': DOJ punishes company Sara Gonzales exposed for illegal hiring practices



As many journalists and concerned citizens continue to raise the alarm about the rampant H-1B fraud and abuse endemic to our system, the Department of Justice has started to deliver some results. This week, BlazeTV host Sara Gonzales proudly claimed another scalp for her role in exposing a company for discriminating against Americans.

Earlier this week, the Department of Justice announced that it had reached a settlement with New Jersey-based Compunnel Software Group Inc. for illegal hiring practices.

'The DOJ has taken action against at least one of the companies I exposed.'

According to the settlement, Compunnel signaled its intent to hire employees based on citizenship status, specifically favoring H-1B visa holders or related temporary employment-based visa holders. One email sent to the "charging party" indicated that the company wanted "only" temporary visa holders for a particular position.

Gonzales, host of "Sara Gonzales Unfiltered" on BlazeTV, touted this settlement as a win after covering this story in February.

RELATED: Sara Gonzales’ H-1B fraud investigation uncovers the city behind most of the scamming — now CBS is praising it

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

"The DOJ has taken action against at least one of the companies I exposed," Gonzales said on X. "Compunnel Software Group, Inc now has to cough up $313,420 after some of its recruiters posted job advertisements for positions in the United States that were offered to H-1B workers ONLY."

"For too long, these scammers have felt comfortable blatantly breaking the law in broad daylight and stealing American jobs. I commend the DOJ for this swift resolution, and I am hopeful there will be more action in the future. We must take our country back from those who have come here with the intention of defrauding us while taking advantage of our resources," Gonzales told Blaze News.

Compunnel has agreed to pay $58,000 in back pay to the U.S. citizen who was discriminated against in the hiring process. It has also agreed to pay $255,420 in civil penalties to the U.S. Treasury.

“Employers cannot exclude U.S. workers from the labor force by discriminating against them based on their citizenship status. Employers must design recruitment, training, and compliance practices to ensure adherence to federal civil rights laws," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“It’s illegal to discourage U.S. workers from applying for American jobs,” she said.

This is the ninth settlement the DOJ has delivered since the revival of its Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative in 2025 to enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act.

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Ex-student's shocking allegation: Former middle school teacher sexually assaulted him in her car — and in the classroom



A former middle school teacher in New Jersey was arrested after her ex-student claimed to have had a sexual relationship with her in a classroom and her car.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that 36-year-old Ashley A. Fisler, who formerly went by her maiden name of Ashley Sulla, was arrested Thursday.

'Scary to think that it could happen so close to home.'

Fisler was charged with six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of second-degree official misconduct.

The prosecutor's office noted that Fisler faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison for each of the first-degree charges and 10 years for each of the second-degree charges if convicted.

Fisler, of Washington Township, is being held at Salem County Jail.

According to Salem County Jail records, Fisler was denied bail.

On Jan. 23, the alleged victim — who is now an adult — told police he had a sexual relationship with Fisler in 2021 when he was a minor and she was his teacher at Orchard Valley Middle School in Washington Township, according to prosecutors.

"The victim described multiple sexual encounters occurring in 2021 in Fisler’s vehicle and in her classroom," the prosecutor's office stated.

The New York Post obtained court documents that said Fisler had sex with the underage student twice and performed a sex act on the boy four times.

Prosecutors said investigators discovered text messages between Fisler and the alleged victim "confirming the unlawful sexual nature of their relationship."

Court documents said that Fisler sent the boy "multiple nude photographs" of herself, according to the Post.

Citing an online resume, Fox News reported that Fisler taught social studies in the Washington Township school district starting in 2014.

The prosecutor's office noted that Fisler is "no longer employed as a teacher in Washington Township or anywhere else."

Eric M. Hibbs, superintendent of Washington Township Public Schools, released the following statement to Patch after Fisler's arrest:

The district is aware of the charges announced by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office regarding a former middle school teacher. We take matters involving the safety and well-being of our students extremely seriously. The individual referenced is no longer employed by the district and separated from employment in April 2023. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so. Because this is an active criminal matter, we are unable to comment further at this time.

RELATED: School employee, 34, allegedly had sex with 13-year-old student, gave him alcohol, weed — and cops believe she's on the run

The New York Post in a separate story reported that one of Fisler's students wrote an essay praising Fisler — then going by her maiden name, Ashley Sulla — as a "hero" who "can connect with the students on a personal level."

The Post noted that any connection between the student who wrote the essay and the alleged victim is unclear.

NJ.com released the text of the essay in July 2019: "Sometimes people’s heroes are an 'overlooked' hero, simply because what they do isn't 'significant.' But, my hero, Ms. Sulla, works at school."

"Ms. Sulla always makes sure that she can connect with the students on a personal level," the essay read.

The essay added that "Ms. Sulla is also a protector. Every day, Ms. Sulla not only wants to make sure we learn new facts about social studies, she also wants to make sure we feel secure and comfortable at school."

The essay, titled "My Hero Works at School," concluded, "She ensures students are comfortable in her classroom and that we have someone relatable. Ms. Sulla should no longer be an 'overlooked' hero."

District Social Studies Supervisor Jeff Snyder told NJ.com in 2019, "Ashley is a great teacher. Not only does she make her lessons interactive and engaging, but she also prides herself in making personal connections with all her students."

The Post noted that Fisler — who is married — had posted a since-deleted Facebook entry in 2018 "showing her then-boyfriend proposing to her in front of her class, as she reacts with elated shock."

The stepbrother of Fisler's husband told the Post on Friday, "He's a good, upstanding guy. He has morals and everything — he wouldn’t be the type to stay with her if he found out."

A booking photo shows that Fisler has a tattoo on her inner forearm that reads: "I love you a bushel and a peck." The saying became popular due to the musical "Guys and Dolls."

Emily Garber, an Orchard Valley Middle School graduate, said the child sex crime accusations are "scary."

"Scary to think that it could happen so close to home," Garber told WCAU-TV. "It made me uncomfortable knowing my brothers both had her as a teacher."

Rocco Cipparone, Fisler's attorney, told WCAU on Friday following her virtual court appearance that "she says she is not guilty of these charges. She denied the allegations. And we are going to go forward, wait for the state to present some evidence to me so I can evaluate it, and aggressively defend her."

Cipparone told the Post on Friday that he believes that Fisler should be granted bail.

"She has no prior criminal record, she has been a lifelong resident of New Jersey, she is a property owner, her entire family is here, she is not a risk of flight," Cipparone declared.

"These allegations go back five years. You have this five-year gap where now all of a sudden they are going to say she is a danger to the community," Cipparone argued. "I'm optimistic, and I think I have strong reasons to have her released."

Fisler is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a bail hearing.

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'Moderate' Mikie Sherrill Attends Ramadan Services With Imam Who Faced Deportation Proceedings Over Alleged Ties to Hamas and Calls for 'New Intifada'

New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill, who ran for election in November as a "moderate" Democrat, visited a New Jersey mosque on Friday that has been linked to terrorist activity since its founding in 1989 and whose cofounder was convicted of funneling money to Hamas. During that visit, Sherrill met with a cleric who has faced deportation proceedings over his own alleged ties to the terror group and for calling for a "new intifada."

The post 'Moderate' Mikie Sherrill Attends Ramadan Services With Imam Who Faced Deportation Proceedings Over Alleged Ties to Hamas and Calls for 'New Intifada' appeared first on .

Unhinged females caught on video going absolutely ballistic at Wendy's drive-thru window as employees take cover



Three females were caught on video going on a rampage at the drive-thru window of New Jersey Wendy's fast-food restaurant recently — and now they're facing criminal charges.

Police in Ewing Township said the incident occurred just before 3 a.m. Feb. 21 at the restaurant in the 1700 block of Olden Avenue. It is open 24 hours a day.

'Insane.'

Police said they received a report about disorderly customers who broke a drive-thru window.

An investigation revealed that three females damaged property, attempted to assault employees with items, and fled the scene before officers arrived.

However, police said employees recorded video of the incident, and as a result, police were able to identify the suspects: 18-year-old Saniyah Brittingham, 19-year-old Leah Williford Stevens, and 23-year-old Honesty Harrison, all of whom hail from neighboring Trenton.

Police said Brittingham and Williford Stevens are facing charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of a weapon, while Harrison is facing charges of criminal mischief and burglary.

Brittingham and Harrison turned themselves in Friday, but Williford Stevens was still at large, according to WPVI-TV.

In the station's video report below, the females are seen chucking drinks and other items at employees as apparent food is splattered around the drive-thru window — as well on the suspects. It appears toward the end of one clip that the trio get a taste of their own medicine as a huge batch of liquid flies in their direction as they take off running.

RELATED: Wendy's worker punches drive-thru customer through car window — then steals car, hits victim with car, bites 2 cops: Police

WPVI said police didn't indicate what may have sparked the incident, and a handful of people the station interviewed seemed deflated by the whole thing.

"I kinda get depressed about seeing young people just do that," Rupert Johnson of neighboring Lawrence, N.J., told WPVI.

"This is not something that should be happening," Dawn Hemsey of Ewing Township told the station, adding that the actions caught on video are "insane."

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NJ governor crushed with boos at Devils game before honoring Team USA hero Jack Hughes



Between raucous cheers for America's gold-medal hero, New Jersey's new governor felt the brunt of sports fans' disdain.

Fans at the Prudential Center in Newark were treated to a fantastic pregame ceremony on Wednesday that celebrated Jack Hughes, who scored the gold medal-winning goal for Team USA against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.

'You guys are making me emotional.'

After a speech from Hughes got the crowd both pumped up and emotional, newly elected New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) and her husband, Jason Hedberg, were welcomed on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop.

After a parade of kids holding American flags adorably stepped onto the ice, the public address announcer welcomed the governor and the state's first gentleman before boos rained down upon them.

Some significant booing was also heard when the governor was again announced as she handed Hughes a folded state flag.

Beforehand, Hughes brought the house down with his speech, first celebrating alongside Buffalo Sabres player and fellow Team USA member Tage Thompson. Hughes brought Thompson onto the ice for a short lap before delivering his heartfelt remarks.

RELATED: NHL posts adorable 'girl dad' photo of hockey player — then deletes it after maniacal anti-Trumpers lose their minds

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"I'm so proud, and I'm so happy that the men's and women's USA hockey teams brought gold medals back to the United States of America," Hughes said to wild cheers.

As the arena's scoreboard showed a picture of Hughes that read, "The best in the world are made in Jersey," the star forward was on the verge of tears.

"You guys are making me emotional, but I'm so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization. And I'm so, so proud to represent the great state of New Jersey. So proud," he continued.

"From the bottom of my heart, all our, all my teammates, USA teammates, we just want to thank you guys for all the love and the support. We feel it. Thank you," the 24-year-old concluded.

RELATED: Team USA's amazing gold-medal gesture you may have missed

Photo by Andrew Maclean/NHLI via Getty Images

Hughes was awarded with a New Jersey state flag, a certificate, and a signing pen in honor of the state's recognition of his accomplishment.

Gov. Sherrill won the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election with 56.88% of the vote, beating out Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli by more than five points.

Moderates and independents both sided with Sherrill, according to exit polls, with health care being a strong driver of votes among liberal supporters.

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‘Sanctuary policies will not stand’: New Jersey tries to restrain ICE, but Trump DOJ pushes back



The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the sanctuary state of New Jersey after its governor banned Immigration and Customs Enforcement from some state property.

On Feb. 11, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) signed Executive Order No. 12, which declared that federal immigration agents cannot access “nonpublic areas of State property for the purpose of facilitating federal enforcement of civil immigration law” without a judicial warrant or order.

'Federal agents are risking their lives to keep New Jersey citizens safe, and yet New Jersey’s leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement.'

The governor claimed that the action would “protect against ICE raids on state property.”

“I take seriously my responsibility to keep New Jersey residents safe, and as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, my commitment to upholding the Constitution will never waver,” Sherrill stated. “This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations. To strengthen public safety, we will also give New Jersey residents the tools to report ICE activity to the attorney general’s office and ensure residents know their constitutional rights.”

The governor’s office accused the Trump administration’s ICE agents of “violently abusing power and violating Constitutional rights.”

The DOJ responded to Sherrill’s executive action by filing a lawsuit against New Jersey on Feb. 23, stating that the state’s leadership has insisted “on harboring criminal offenders from federal law enforcement.”

RELATED: 'She is putting a target on their backs': New Jersey governor launches online portal to track ICE agents

Photographer: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The complaint claimed that Sherrill aimed to “intentionally obstruct federal law enforcement,” adding that she “celebrates thwarting the constitutional obligation of the President of the United States to take care that federal immigration law be faithfully executed.”

The DOJ argued that Sherrill’s executive order obstructs and intentionally discriminates against the federal government. Prosecutors also claimed that the action violated the Supremacy Clause, which “prohibits a state from usurping Congress.”

“Federal agents are risking their lives to keep New Jersey citizens safe, and yet New Jersey’s leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said. “States may not deliberately interfere with our efforts to remove illegal aliens and arrest criminals — New Jersey’s sanctuary policies will not stand.”

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Mikie Sherrill. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Sherrill reacted to the lawsuit, stating, “I think what the federal government needs to be focused on right now instead of attacking states like New Jersey working to keep people safe is actually training their ICE agents with some modicum of training, like any law enforcement officer in the state of New Jersey would have, so they can operate better and more safely.”

New ICE recruits receive 56 days of training and an average of 28 days of on-the-job training, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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Team USA's amazing gold-medal gesture you may have missed



Before a call from President Donald Trump and a few drinks with FBI Director Kash Patel, Team USA men's hockey made a heartfelt tribute to one of their compatriots.

After the players received their gold medals for a stunning 2-1 win over Team Canada on Sunday, viewers may have noticed a couple of youngsters on the ice posing for the team picture, along with a loose hockey jersey.

'When we got the call to come out, it felt like maybe he did make the team.'

No, those were not captain Auston Matthews' children. Nor were they superstar goalie Connor Hellebuyck's children. They were Noa and Johnny Jr., children of the late Johnny Gaudreau.

In 2023, Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were tragically killed by a drunk driver while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Gaudreau was one of the star players for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, while Matthew was a former professional hockey player who last played in the ECHL.

In yet another wonderful gesture, Team USA invited Johnny Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, to join the team in Italy on Saturday, along with the Gaudreau brothers' parents, Guy and Jane. The whole family was in the audience for the gold-medal game.

"To be able to get it done like that, to win, to have his jersey out there in the team photo, have his kids come out and be with us, we're obviously thinking of him," Auston Matthews said, per ESPN. "Just felt like the impact that he's had on so many guys in this room is special. He was with us in spirit the whole tournament," Matthews added.

RELATED: 'LOTS OF WINNING!!!' Trump praises America's historic hockey victory at Winter Olympics

"It's fun to be a part of this," Meredith said before the game.

"When we got the call to come out, it felt like maybe he did make the team. So it's fun. Here to represent him and support everyone that's honoring him, as well."

Meredith revealed to a reporter that she only had two days' notice before making the trip overseas to join the squad, but she said it was something she simply could not pass up.

"Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the kids. So that was the main reason that drove me out here," the mother continued, before delivering some truly heartbreaking remarks.

"I feel like I have two roles in life now: It's honor John, my husband, and make sure these kids know how special their dad is and give them some special opportunities."

RELATED: NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed by suspected drunk driver on eve of sister's wedding: 'Unimaginable tragedy'

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

USA forward Dylan Larkin firmly stated that "Johnny and Matty should be here."

"That is the biggest loss that all of us at USA Hockey, their family, our family, has gone through," Larkin continued. "And to have Johnny Jr. and Noa out there, it just felt right."

Larkin added that he thought the Gaudreau brothers may have had a hand in stopping some pucks from going into the USA net.

"And I think part of those, the puck not going in our net, was somehow him standing there doing something, laughing with Matty. Just somehow they put a spell around our net where that puck didn't go in."

Larkin then joked around, reportedly smiling while saying, "Ironic, on the defensive side; he would've never been back there," he said about Johnny.

These comments nearly mirrored what was said about the late brothers by their sister, Katie.

Katie jokingly told Fox News that while her brothers were "never quite defensive," she thought a couple of saves had some assistance from above.

"Up there, they were definitely helping out."

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