The initial members of the United States men`s hockey team for the 2026 Olympics have been revealed.
On Monday, Team USA announced the first six players selected for next year`s Winter Olympics. This announcement was part of a planned reveal across all 12 qualified nations.
The first six players named are:
- Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins)
- Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers)
- Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators)
The team will be managed by Bill Guerin and coached by Mike Sullivan. Both served in the same roles for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, where the U.S. lost to Canada in the championship game.
Matthews captained the U.S. team at the 4 Nations, recording three assists over three games while averaging 20:26 of ice time.
As NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, these initial six players will be making their Olympic debuts. The U.S. roster in Sochi featured veteran players like Patrick Kane, Zach Parise, and Joe Pavelski.
Hughes missed the 4 Nations tournament due to an injury sustained during the regular season. However, he has previously represented the U.S. at the World Championship, tallying five points in 18 appearances.
Matthew Tkachuk remains a vital player for the Panthers as they pursue a second consecutive Stanley Cup, with seven goals and 22 points through 22 playoff games. While serving as an alternate captain for the U.S. at the 4 Nations, he scored two goals and added three assists in three games.
Brady Tkachuk registered 29 goals and 55 points in 72 games for the Senators and added four goals and seven points in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He contributed three goals in four games for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Jack Eichel, who played alongside the Tkachuk brothers at the 4 Nations, recorded four assists in four games. He also has extensive international experience, having played 26 games for the U.S. at the World Championship, scoring four goals and 20 points.
Charlie McAvoy`s participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off was limited to just two games due to a significant shoulder injury sustained before the final against Canada. The Bruins defenseman has represented the U.S. at the World Championship on two previous occasions, in 2017 and 2018.
Duncan Priestley