Jack Eichel 'really honored' to represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics

North Chelmsford native looks forward to competing on the international stage after missing recent Olympics

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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Jack Eichel, a 17-year-old rising star from North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is set to represent Team USA at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Eichel, now a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights, has fond memories of watching the 2014 Olympics and is excited for the opportunity to compete on the international stage after the NHL skipped the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games.

Why it matters

Eichel's selection to the U.S. Olympic team is a testament to his development and growth as a player over the past decade. As one of the first six players named to the roster, Eichel will be a key contributor for Team USA as they look to capture gold in Italy. The Olympics also provide a platform for Eichel and other young American stars to showcase their skills on the global stage.

The details

Eichel was a standout with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in 2013-14, competing in the World Junior Championship as the team's youngest player and leading the U.S. to a gold medal at the World Under-18 Championship. He then went on to star at Boston University, win the Hobey Baker Award, and be selected 2nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL Draft. Eichel is now a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights and is poised to make his Olympic debut.

  • Eichel was part of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the 2013-14 season.
  • Eichel led the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2014 World Under-18 Championship.
  • Eichel was selected 2nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL Draft.
  • Eichel was named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic team in June 2025.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy will take place from February 12-28, 2026.

The players

Jack Eichel

A 17-year-old rising star from North Chelmsford, Massachusetts who is set to represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

T.J. Oshie

An American hockey player who became a household name with his memorable shootout performance against Russia at the 2014 Winter Olympics, leaving a lasting impression on young players like Eichel.

Connor Hellebuyck

A Winnipeg Jets star and UMass Lowell alum who is one of three goaltenders on the 2026 U.S. Olympic hockey team roster.

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What they’re saying

“Not having the opportunity to have done that so far in my career, and now having the chance to do it, yeah, it's definitely something that sticks out, and I'm just really excited for it.”

— Jack Eichel (lowellsun.com)

“The thing that sticks out is the shootout between Russia and the U.S. when T.J. Oshie went a bunch of times and kept scoring. I think that was probably the thing that I remember the most.”

— Jack Eichel (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Olympic hockey team will open preliminary round play against Latvia on February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Eichel's selection to the U.S. Olympic team is a proud moment for the North Chelmsford native, who has worked tirelessly to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His Olympic debut will be a chance for Eichel and other young American stars to showcase their skills on the global stage and inspire the next generation of hockey players in the United States.