NHL Stars Return to Milano-Cortina Olympics with Strong US and Canada Hockey Rosters
The NHL players are making a return to the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, with both the US and Canadian hockey teams featuring strong and competitive rosters.
The United States roster includes 25 players, comprising 20 skaters, led by Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Quinn Hughes. This team features only two players who were part of the Beijing 2022 US roster. Goaltenders selected for the US are Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman. Notable omissions from the US team include Jason Robertson, Cole Caufield, and Alex DeBrincat, as the selection favors veterans like Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson. Earlier in August, a camp was held with 44 players from 24 NHL teams participating. The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is maintaining a hands-off approach to the men's team. Additionally, the US men's team recently captured its first world championship gold medal in 92 years in May.
Canada's squad boasts high-profile stars including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. There have been changes in Canada's goaltending lineup beyond starter Jordan Binnington.
On the women's side, the US team is led by Hilary Knight on a 23-player roster that includes 16 current Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) players. Notably, Laila Edwards becomes the first Black woman to represent the US at the Winter Games. The women's tournament kicks off on February 5 against Czechia, with the final scheduled for February 19.
The ongoing rivalry between the US and Canada is highly anticipated, fueled by the 4 Nations Face-Off final which drew a record 9.3 million viewers on ESPN last year. The US men's Olympic opener is set for February 12 against Latvia.
