The composition of the U.S. men’s hockey team for the 2026 Olympics in Italy is set to be announced on Friday morning. General Manager Bill Guerin is expected to inform players who have not made the roster this Wednesday. The team consists of 25 players, though changes may occur due to injuries over the six weeks leading up to the event.
Training and Preparation Following Wednesday’s Shutdowns
Guerin is prepared to relay disappointing news to those not selected. “I know I will announce bad news to some people, but I must be honest and present the reality,” he stated. While the team is established, Guerin emphasized the importance of remaining flexible as more hockey unfolds before the Olympics.
Focus on Winning Gold
The objective remains clear: secure the gold medal this winter. The last U.S. gold was in 1996, with silver medals won in Vancouver (2010) and Salt Lake City (2002). The team also finished second in the Four Nations tournament earlier this year, losing to Canada in the finals.
Team Selection Strategy
Guerin has opted to build a cohesive unit rather than an all-star lineup, prioritizing control and size in response to the competitive style observed in past tournaments. He acknowledged that decisions, such as leaving notable players like Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield off the preliminary roster, may induce criticism.
- Current roster includes key players:
- Jack Eichel
- Auston Matthews
- Brady Tkachuk
- Matthew Tkachuk
- Quinn Hughes
- Charlie McAvoy
- Player injuries:
- Hughes missed the Four Nations tournament due to injury.
- McAvoy departed the tournament after two games due to injury.
Upcoming Olympic Matches
The U.S. team will compete in Group C during the Olympics. The first match is scheduled against Latvia on February 12, followed by games against Denmark and Germany on February 14 and 15, respectively. After the preliminary round, the top teams will advance directly to the quarter-finals, while others will compete in a qualification round.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| February 12 | Latvia |
| February 14 | Denmark |
| February 15 | Germany |
Guerin remains resolute in his mission, prioritizing the team’s success above all else. As the preparation continues, the focus stays on building a strong roster capable of achieving Olympic glory.
