The U.S. men’s hockey team is back at the Olympics with NHL stars in tow for the first time since 2014 — so think Miracle on Ice meets high-speed slapshots (and hopefully fewer tears)! They’re housed in Group C along with Latvia, Denmark, and Germany, battling for a top spot before the knockout rounds.
This roster is stacked with NHL stars, built for speed, skill, and just the right amount of chirping. It’s the first time NHL players have been competing in the Olympics since 2014, and Team USA is rolling deep with offensive firepower and veteran leadership.
Forwards (14)
These guys bring goals, grit, and highlight-reel-potential:
- Auston Matthews – Captain, goal machine for the Maple Leafs
- Matt Boldy – Smooth scoring winger
- Kyle Connor – Jets sniper with a quick release
- Jack Eichel – Playmaker and clutch scorer
- Jake Guentzel – Lightning’s reliable forecheck assassin
- Jack Hughes – Devilishly talented playmaker
- Brady Tkachuk – Power forward, physical presence
- Matthew Tkachuk – Skilled grinder with flair
- Dylan Larkin – Red Wings heart-and-soul leader
- Clayton Keller – Creative offensive catalyst
- J.T. Miller – Versatile scorer/creator
- Brock Nelson – Avalanche’s dependable two-way center
- Tage Thompson – Big man, big shot volume
- Vincent Trocheck – Reliable contributor up and down the lineup
(Think 3rd-period breakaways, traffic-in-front goals, and angry bench celebrations.)
Defensemen (8)
This group blends speed, puck movement, and shutdown ability:
- Brock Faber – Young, smart, steady
- Noah Hanifin – Big, calm, polished
- Quinn Hughes – Elite passer from the blue line
- Jackson LaCombe – Sizable puck-moving defenseman
- Charlie McAvoy – Bruins-style adaptable D
- Jake Sanderson – Smooth skater with poise
- Jaccob Slavin – Positionally sound and quietly effective
- Zach Werenski – Shots and even-strength playmaker
Defense that can both break up zone entries and create them.
Goaltenders (3)
These three between the pipes give depth and stability:
- Connor Hellebuyck – Veteran net presence
- Jake Oettinger – Calm, big-net energy
- Jeremy Swayman – Hot hand with momentum
Yes, they give up goals — but preferably only on rebounds and penalties.
X-Factor Storylines on the Roster
Sibling Chemistry
For the first time in decades, the U.S. Olympic hockey team has two sets of brothers:
- Brady & Matthew Tkachuk
- Jack & Quinn Hughes
That means built-in bench banter, teammate text threads that start at 2 a.m., and hopefully fewer mix-ups on the ice.
Leadership Brigade
- Captain: Auston Matthews — the goal scorer your fantasy team dreams about.
- Alternate Captains: Matthew Tkachuk & Charlie McAvoy — bring fire and defensive smarts to every shift.
This team isn’t shy about wearing the “leadership” tag around its neck like a heavy gold-plated necklace. (Admittedly, I am not sold on Matthews as the captain. I haven’t been really…ever. That being said, Matthews has a chance to solidify his legacy in American hockey with a deep, convincing run.)
NCAA Roots
A whopping 20 of the 25 players played NCAA hockey — college is still the feeder system that builds tough, savvy players ready for big-game pressure. Even moreso moving forward now that we are in the thick of the NIL Era.
Olympic Debut Crowd
Twenty-three of these 25 players are making their Olympic debut in 2026. Only a couple (like Sanderson and Faber) had Olympic experience from 2022 (pre-NHL era).
Expect a mix of wide-eyed rookie excitement and seasoned NHL playoff swagger.
Why This Roster Matters More Than Ever
Forget casual — this U.S. squad is deep. They’ve got scorers on every line, puck-movers from the blue line, and goaltending that can steal games. And with NHL participation returning after a 12-year Olympic hiatus, this is the richest, most entertaining U.S. roster in years.
USA Men’s Hockey Game Schedule (2026 Winter Olympics)
(All times Eastern Time (ET) — convert as needed!)
🇺🇸 USA vs. Latvia
📅 Thursday, February 12
⏰ 3:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. ET
📍 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
🧊 Preview: Latvia may not be the flashiest team, but they play with Eastern European grit — kind of like your uncle playing pond hockey after Thanksgiving dinner. (Or so I am told. Remember, I am just a Texas boy.) USA’s puck-possession and speed should overwhelm them, but Latvia might sneak in a few shock goals if Team USA naps on defense.
USA vs. Denmark
📅 Saturday, February 14
⏰ 3:10 p.m.–5:30 p.m. ET
📍 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
💘 Preview: Hockey Valentine’s Day. Denmark’s roster brings scrappy energy (and possibly a Viking helmet vibe in warm-ups). The USA’s finesse and power play will be put to the test. Expect a few clutch goals, some chirps on the bench, and maybe love-heart-shaped ice chips.
USA vs. Germany
📅 Sunday, February 15
⏰ 3:10 p.m.–5:30 p.m. ET
📍 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
🍺 Preview: Deutschland will bring discipline, precise passing, and maybe pretzels for morale. USA’s offensive talent should rule the day, but Germany’s structured defense could make this more interesting than your average Sunday afternoon.
What Happens After the Group Stage?
If the puck bounces right and Team USA finishes strong in Group C, they’ll advance into the playoff rounds, which include:
- Qualification Playoffs — Tue, Feb. 17
- Quarterfinals — Wed, Feb. 18
- Semifinals — Fri, Feb. 20
- Bronze Medal Game — Sat, Feb. 21
- Gold Medal Game — Sun, Feb. 22
(All times TBD based on advancement.)
Quick Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends (Be the smartest in the room)
- This is the return of NHL players to the Olympics — meaning you’ll see real-deal pros instead of amateurs or beer-league heroes.
- Team USA’s defensive corps is stacked, and pairing stars like Quinn Hughes with Charlie McAvoy gives them blue-line swagger.
- The rivalry with Canada and other hockey powerhouses will be feisty, likely with bench chirping banned only by good taste (which rarely happens in hockey).
- NO FIGHTING. Per international rules, there is NO fighting allowed. If so, you will serve a one-game suspension, so unfortunately, fans will be unable to relive the thrill of USA vs. Canada from the Four Nations tournament, but just see the video below to give yourself goosebumps all over again.
How to Watch
All U.S. games will stream on Peacock and NBC platforms (including NBCOlympics.com), with selected TV coverage on NBC, CNBC, or USA Network.
The Morning Skate 