Team USA names Jeremy Swayman starting goalie vs. Denmark at 2026 Winter Olympics

Boston Bruins goalie to start for USA hockey in second preliminary round game

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Team USA has named Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman as the starting goalie for their second preliminary round game against Denmark at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Swayman was chosen over Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who started the team's opening game against Latvia.

Why it matters

The choice of starting goalie is a critical decision for Team USA as they look to compete for the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Swayman has been having a strong season for the Bruins and will look to build on the team's 5-1 win over Latvia in their opening game.

The details

Team USA has three goalies on their Olympic roster, including Swayman, Oettinger, and Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck started the team's opening game against Latvia, leading them to a 5-1 victory. However, the coaching staff has now decided to go with Swayman for the matchup against Denmark. Swayman has a 22-12-3 record and 2.92 GAA for the Bruins this season.

  • Team USA's game against Denmark is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Team USA defeated Latvia 5-1 in their opening preliminary round game on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Swayman

Boston Bruins goalie who has been named the starting goalie for Team USA's game against Denmark at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Jake Oettinger

Dallas Stars goalie who was also considered for the starting role for Team USA.

Connor Hellebuyck

Winnipeg Jets goalie who started the opening game for Team USA against Latvia.

Brock Nelson

Colorado Avalanche forward who led Team USA with two goals in their 5-1 win over Latvia.

Jack Hughes

New Jersey Devils forward who spoke about Team USA's desire to keep improving their game throughout the Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew they were going to play hard. We want to just keep growing our game. Every game we want to keep building and finding our game. It is a good start with the win, but we want to keep getting better each day and work at our game.”

— Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils forward (NHL.com)

What’s next

Team USA will look to build on their opening win against Latvia when they take on Denmark on Saturday afternoon. The winner of that game will be in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds of the Olympic tournament.

The takeaway

The choice of Jeremy Swayman as the starting goalie for Team USA's second preliminary round game shows the depth of talent on the roster and the coaching staff's willingness to make tough decisions to put the team in the best position to compete for the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.