As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan begins, USA Hockey has officially unveiled the rosters for its men’s, women’s, and Paralympic sled hockey teams. With both teams aiming for gold, anticipation is building among fans and players alike, especially as the men’s team welcomes back NHL talent for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. The women's team will strive to improve upon their silver medal finish from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, while the men look to reclaim their place among hockey's elite. The U.S. women’s hockey team enters the tournament as one of the favorites for gold, having consistently demonstrated their prowess on the international stage. After a hard-fought silver medal in Beijing, the team is determined to return to the top of the podium. The women’s roster features 23 players, a mix of professionals from the newly established Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and collegiate athletes, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful energy. In stark contrast, the men’s team is composed entirely of NHL players, featuring a roster of 25 skilled athletes. Among them are celebrated stars like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, all of whom have proven their capabilities in the league. Notably, 21 of the 25 players selected were part of last year’s Four Nations Face-Off, where the U.S. men faced Canada in a thrilling final that ended in a 3-2 overtime defeat, underscoring the rivalry and stakes involved. The Utah Mammoth’s captain, Clayton Keller, has made the cut for the Olympic squad after missing the Four Nations roster, marking a significant personal achievement and contributing to the depth of a team that aims to exact revenge on Canada. Keller’s inclusion reflects a commitment to talent and performance, as he joins a team that is expected to make a strong showing against its opponents, starting with Latvia on February 8 at the Santagiulia arena. Bill Guerin, the general manager of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team and also the GM of the Minnesota Wild, expressed pride in the selection process. "We’re excited about our team and congratulate everyone named. It was incredibly difficult for our management group to get to the final roster, and that’s a credit to so many in our country, including all those at the grassroots level who help make our sport so strong. There’s nothing like the Olympics, and I know our players and staff will represent our country well and work hard to achieve our ultimate goal," Guerin stated. On the women’s side, Team USA will kick off their Olympic campaign against Czechia on February 5. The roster is led by veteran Hilary Knight, who will be making her fifth Olympic appearance, joined by Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklein, both of whom are set for their fourth. This experience could prove invaluable as the team seeks to build on their previous performances and secure gold. Katie Million, general manager of the U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team, emphasized the depth and talent present in the squad. "Our staff has spent the past few months evaluating our incredible player pool, and while the depth of the group makes these decisions incredibly hard, we are so excited for this team to compete in Milan. This team brings excitement, passion, and pride and will represent the United States proudly as they look to win gold come February," she remarked. Amidst the excitement surrounding the rosters, challenges loom ahead. All Olympic hockey games are scheduled to be held at the Milano Santagiulia and Milano Rho arenas, but concerns have emerged regarding delayed construction and other issues at these venues. Organizers are under pressure to ensure that the facilities meet international standards by the time the games commence, as any setbacks could impact the overall experience for athletes and fans alike. As both teams prepare for their respective tournaments, the focus is not only on competing for medals but also on showcasing the strength and unity of U.S. hockey on a global platform. With a rich history in Olympic hockey, the U.S. teams are set to take the ice with determination and hope, eager to bring home gold from Milan and inspire the next generation of players. In conclusion, with the Olympic Games in Milan rapidly approaching, fans are eagerly awaiting the performance of both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging stars promises a thrilling competition as they strive for Olympic glory. The journey to the gold medal begins soon, and the eyes of the hockey world will be on the ice as these dedicated athletes represent their country on a prestigious international stage.