Team USA Aims to End Olympic Hockey Gold Drought in Milan

Led by captain Auston Matthews, the Americans bring a star-studded roster to the 2026 Winter Games seeking their first Olympic hockey title since 1980.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, featuring a roster considered one of the greatest in American history, opens its quest for gold at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan on Thursday against Latvia. After falling short at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, the Americans led by captain Auston Matthews are determined to end their nearly half-century drought and bring home the country's first Olympic hockey title since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980.

Why it matters

The U.S. men's hockey team has not won Olympic gold since the iconic "Miracle on Ice" triumph in 1980. This star-studded roster, featuring some of the NHL's top American talents, represents the country's best chance in decades to reclaim hockey supremacy on the global stage.

The details

Led by captain Auston Matthews, the U.S. roster includes a rare blend of offensive firepower, defensive depth, and world-class goaltending. Matthews is the most prolific American goal scorer in modern history, while the disruptive Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, provide grit and physicality. On the blue line, Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes anchors a mobile defensive unit considered the deepest ever assembled for Team USA. In net, reigning Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck leads a trio of elite goaltenders.

  • The U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team opens its 2026 Winter Games campaign on Thursday, February 12 at 3:10 p.m. ET.
  • Prior to the Olympics, this U.S. squad faced its first major test at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston and Montreal, where they came up a goal short of gold as Connor McDavid scored the overtime winner to give rival Canada the title on U.S. soil.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and the most prolific American goal scorer in modern history.

Matthew Tkachuk

One of the disruptive Tkachuk brothers providing grit and physicality to the U.S. roster.

Brady Tkachuk

One of the disruptive Tkachuk brothers providing grit and physicality to the U.S. roster.

Quinn Hughes

The Norris Trophy-winning defenseman who anchors the U.S. team's mobile defensive unit, considered the deepest ever assembled for Team USA.

Connor Hellebuyck

The reigning Vezina Trophy winner leading a trio of elite goaltenders for the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.