NHL Jerseys Steal Fashion Spotlight at 2026 Winter Olympics

Hockey fans from around the world flock to Milan to see NHL stars in Olympic action.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy get underway, NHL jerseys have become the trendiest fashion items in the city. Fans from all over the world, including Italy, Germany, Hungary, and France, have been spotted wearing jerseys of their favorite NHL teams and players, eager to see the world's best hockey players compete on the Olympic stage for the first time in 12 years.

Why it matters

The prominence of NHL jerseys at the Olympics highlights the global popularity of the league and its players. It also demonstrates the excitement surrounding the return of NHL participation in the Winter Games, which is expected to drive increased interest and viewership for both the Olympics and the NHL.

The details

Everywhere in Milan, from the metro to the iconic Duomo cathedral, NHL jerseys can be spotted on fans of all nationalities. Italians, Germans, Hungarians, and French fans have all been seen proudly wearing the colors of their favorite NHL teams and players, including the New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and more. The jerseys have become a must-have fashion accessory, with fans eager to see NHL stars like Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle, and Jack Hughes compete for Olympic gold.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy began on February 6, 2026.
  • NHL players are participating in the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

The players

Leon Draisaitl

Edmonton Oilers center and German national team player.

Tim Stutzle

Ottawa Senators center and German national team player.

Jack Hughes

New Jersey Devils center and U.S. national team player.

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What they’re saying

“Insane. Honestly, insane. We got lucky and got good tickets, like, behind the benches sometimes. Seeing them up close, how fast they skate, how hard they go against the boards, just...”

— Elena Merlin (NHL.com)

“A dream.”

— Elena Merlin (NHL.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will continue through February 22, with the gold medal hockey games scheduled for the final weekend.

The takeaway

The prominence of NHL jerseys at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan demonstrates the global appeal of the league and its players. Fans from around the world have flocked to the games to see their favorite NHL stars compete on the international stage, underscoring the excitement surrounding the return of NHL participation in the Olympics.