At a Glance
- Jake Oettinger named to USA’s 2026 Olympic hockey roster.
- NHL players return after a 2014 hiatus amid ice-facility concerns.
- Oettinger, Seth Jones, and Connor Hellebuyck are key contenders for the team.
- Why it matters: Fans anticipate a historic comeback as the U.S. seeks Olympic gold.
USA Hockey announced a 25-man roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, marking the first time NHL players will compete since 2014. The roster includes Dallas Star goaltender Jake Oettinger, Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones, and a potential starting goalie battle with Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck.
USA Hockey Roster
The roster, announced by USA Hockey, features 25 players, including Oettinger and Jones. Oettinger’s selection follows his participation in the 2025 4 National Face-Off and his performance at the August orientation camp, where he and teammate Jason Robertson were among 44 NHL players invited.
Player Highlights
Oettinger expressed that representing his country would be the greatest honor of his career. Prior to the announcement, Caleb R. Anderson from News Of Fort Worth interviewed Oettinger about the implications of joining the team.
Oettinger said:
> “For myself and for my family would be like the greatest honor of my career,”
Oettinger added:
> “That was just a cool experience. Everyone talks about it being like a distraction, but I think it’s like the opposite. It’s like one of the coolest things you could do would probably be the biggest achievement in my career so far,”
Oettinger reflected:
> “I’ve watched that movie and that game a thousand times. That’s exactly what it’s all about,”
Facility and Historical Context
The NHL has expressed cautious optimism about the ice facility’s readiness, but concerns remain that it may not be finished in time for testing. The 2026 Games will be the first Olympic hockey participation for the NHL since 2014, a milestone that follows the legendary Miracle on Ice victory in 1980.
Key Takeaways
- Jake Oettinger’s roster spot marks the NHL’s return to Olympic play.
- Oettinger, Jones, and Hellebuyck are key players to watch.
- Ice-facility readiness remains a critical factor for the Games.
With Oettinger and Jones on the roster and the NHL’s return to Olympic competition, U.S. hockey fans are poised for what could be a historic comeback in Milan and Cortina.
