USA Hockey held its Olympic Orientation camp in Plymouth, MI, inviting 44 players. The two-day event included administrative affairs, meetings, and a media day. There were no official on-ice drills or public interactions. The camp attendees also met up with the National Team Development Program U-17 and U-18 players.
The NHL and USA Hockey social media accounts teased fans with pictures of the six members of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team in the national jerseys. Jack Eichel, Austin Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, and Quinn Hughes even described in one word how they feel about the league allowing its players to participate in the international event. To summarize, the NHLers think that it’s “incredible, ecstatic, fun, and exciting.”
One known absentee was Matthew Tkachuk, who is recovering from surgery. Defensemen Ryan McDonagh (Lightning), Seth Jones (Panthers), and forward Jake Guentzel (Lightning) represented Florida-based NHL clubs at the camp. It’s not a significant number for local fans, considering the recent success of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Out of 44 players, only 25 will make it to the final stage. The big announcement will be made by Jan.11, 2026. The U.S. Men’s Olympic Team hasn’t won the gold since the “Miracle on Ice” sensation in 1980.
Hockey Canada had a different vision for its pre-Olympic preparation festivities. The orientation camp lasted for three days and included 92 players and staff from men’s, women’s, and sled hockey teams. Just as their American opponents, Canadians participated in off-ice meetings and presentations. But they also played golf and hosted a press conference in Calgary. So, Hockey Canada appears to be more open and relaxed.
Out of 42 NHLers, 19 are Stanley Cup champions, 24 are members of the 4 Nations Face-Off winning team, and 12 are the IIHF World champions. The impressive list of attendees included five Florida Panthers and three Tampa Bay Lightning players.
Defense:
Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers)
Offense:
Sam Bennett (Panthers)
Anthony Cirelli (Lightning)
Brandon Hagel (Lightning)
Brad Marchand (Panthers)
Brayden Point (Lightning)
Sam Reinhart (Panthers)
Carter Verhaeghe (Panthers)
Staff:
Head Coach – Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Assistant GM – Julien BriseBois (Lightning)
Mental Performance Consultant – Dr. Ryan Hamilton (Lightning)
The bond in Team Canada is tight; many players have known each other since their childhood hockey years. It works as another advantage. After all, the team is led by Sidney Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion; Connor McDavid, a five-time Art Ross Trophy winner and world champion; and Jon Cooper, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and the winningest coach in Tampa Bay Lightning history.
The Bolts coach will have an interesting season ahead. First comes a rookie camp, followed by the main team camp and the regular season. Simultaneously, Cooper will need to focus on Olympic roster selection and both on- and off-ice preparation.
No pressure!
This season, Florida fans have a unique opportunity to cheer for their favorite Panthers and Lightning players, who will run for the dream of winning the Olympics.