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WASHINGTON, February 2, 2024 – the United States men’s hockey team is set for the 2026 Winter Olympics, adn the roster reveals a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller earning spots after helping lead the U.S. to a historic world championship win in 2023 – their first since 1933.
Olympic-Bound: A Team Forged in Chemistry and Championship Grit
USA Hockey unveiled its Olympic roster Friday, prioritizing players who demonstrated strong chemistry in previous international competitions.
- Forwards: Matt Boldy, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, Jake Guentzel, Jack Hughes, Dylan Larkin, Auston Matthews, J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Vincent Trocheck, Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller
- Defensemen: Brock Faber, Noah Hanifin, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy, Jake Sanderson, Zach Werenski, Seth Jones
- Goaltenders: Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman
The team’s composition reflects a purposeful strategy, according to General Manager Bill Guerin, who stated, “I liked the way we played: Everybody was together, everybody played the right way.” He further emphasized that “The biggest thing for me was the chemistry, and I think the chemistry allowed the guys to play the way that they did.”
What factors influenced the selection of the U.S. Olympic hockey team? The primary focus was on players who had already demonstrated strong on-ice chemistry, particularly those who participated in the 4 Nations Face-off tournament earlier in the year.
The three players newly added to the Olympic roster are Thompson, Keller, and Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones.Thompson, currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres, has consistently produced at a point-per-game rate, while Keller, captain of the Utah Mammoth, led the team in scoring and wore the “C” at the World Championship.
Notably absent from the 4 Nations roster are Anaheim Ducks forward Chris Kreider and New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, the 2021 Norris Trophy winner. Guerin dismissed suggestions that Fox’s omission was related to a play involving Connor McDavid 11 months prior, stating, “If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must not think we’re very smart.” He added, “I’m going to keep those conversations private. Our decision was made, and we’re moving forward.”
The forward lines boast a potent mix of talent, including Matt Boldy, Kyle Connor, Jack eichel, Jake Guentzel, Jack Hughes, Dylan Larkin, auston Matthews, J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, and Vincent Trocheck. The defensive corps features Brock Faber,Noah Hanifin,Quinn Hughes,Charlie mcavoy,Jake Sanderson,and Zach Werenski. Between the pipes, Connor hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman will provide goaltending.
The U.S. approach mirrored that of Canada,which also largely selected players from its 4 Nations roster.Though, while Canada made adjustments in net, the Americans opted to retain their original goaltending trio of Hellebuyck, Oettinger, and Swayman.
Several notable players were left off the final roster, including Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, who currently leads U.S. players in scoring, and also Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat. When questioned about size as a factor in the selections, Guerin acknowledged it as a bonus, but cautioned, “It doesn’t help if you’re big and you stink.”
guerin underscored the importance of building a well-rounded team, stating, “We actually have to build a team. We have to fill roles. We have certain responsibilities that go up and down the lineup that we need players that are elite in those categories.” He and his staff,along with coach Mike Sullivan,prioritized experience and familiarity.
Jones’ inclusion was highlighted by Sullivan, who praised his “big strong kid that skates extremely well” and his “ability to play on both sides of the puck.”
Teams are permitted to bring 25 players to the olympics, with 20 skaters typically dressed for each game
