Team USA Aims for Olympic Hockey Gold

"We're going over there for one reason," says Matt Boldy, as the U.S. focuses on its own team rather than the rival Canadians.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 3:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. men's hockey team is heading to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics with one goal in mind - winning the gold medal. Led by General Manager Bill Guerin, the roster features 21 players from last year's 4 Nations Face-Off team, including standout Matt Boldy. While a rematch against Canada is a tantalizing prospect, the Americans are concentrating on their own performance rather than worrying about the competition.

Why it matters

The U.S. men's hockey team is looking to capture its first Olympic gold medal since 1980. After falling just short against Canada in last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, the Americans are determined to prove they have what it takes to be the best in the world. A strong performance in Milan could reignite hockey fever in the U.S. and inspire the next generation of players.

The details

The U.S. roster features 21 players from last year's 4 Nations Face-Off team, including standout forwards Matt Boldy, Clayton Keller, and Tage Thompson, as well as defensemen Quinn Hughes and Jackson LaCombe. While a potential rematch against Canada is enticing, the Americans are focused on playing their best hockey and not worrying about the competition. "We're worried about us, not anybody else," said GM Bill Guerin.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will take place in February 2026.
  • The U.S. men's hockey team fell to Canada in overtime at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

The players

Bill Guerin

The general manager of the U.S. men's hockey team, tasked with assembling a roster capable of winning Olympic gold.

Matt Boldy

A standout forward on the U.S. men's hockey team, who said the team is "going over there for one reason" - to win the gold medal.

Quinn Hughes

A defenseman on the U.S. men's hockey team, hailing from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going over there for one reason, and we have expectations on ourselves that we're going to win.”

— Matt Boldy

“We're worried about us, not anybody else.”

— Bill Guerin, General Manager, U.S. Men's Hockey Team

What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team will continue its preparation for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, with exhibition games and training camps scheduled in the lead-up to the tournament.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team is laser-focused on winning Olympic gold in 2026, putting aside any thoughts of a rematch against rival Canada. Led by a veteran core and bolstered by young talent, the Americans are determined to prove they have what it takes to be the best in the world.