US Men's Hockey Team Embraces Olympic Village Experience

Players look forward to bonding in spartan dorm-style accommodations

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The US men's hockey team is embracing the Olympic Village experience at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, despite the NHLPA making hotel rooms available that are closer to the five-star accommodations players are used to. The team is enjoying the opportunity to bond in the dorm-style rooms and meet other American athletes staying in the village.

Why it matters

The decision by Team USA to stay in the Olympic Village highlights the importance the team is placing on the full Olympic experience and camaraderie, rather than prioritizing luxury accommodations. This approach contrasts with some other teams who are splitting time between the village and hotels.

The details

The US players, many of whom are used to the comforts of NHL life, are finding the spartan dorm rooms in the Navigli district similar to college dorms. Teammates are rooming together, including the Tkachuk brothers and Auston Matthews. The players are enjoying meeting figure skaters, speed skaters, and other American athletes in the village's common areas and lounges.

  • The US men's hockey team arrived in Milan on February 9, 2026 for the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Jack Eichel

A member of the US men's hockey team.

J.T. Miller

A member of the US men's hockey team.

Matthew Tkachuk

An alternate captain on the US men's hockey team.

Brady Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk's brother and a member of the US men's hockey team.

Auston Matthews

Considered the biggest celebrity on the US men's hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“You got a roommate who's two feet away from you in the same room and you're in a small little dorm. But I think it just brings the guys together. There's not a whole lot to do and spend time together, so we'll get to know each other pretty quickly.”

— Jack Eichel (New York Post)

“We have a hangout area and then just every American athlete has their own separate lounge area and it's been absolutely incredible so far. Trying to meet and say 'hi' to every American athlete I've seen so far.”

— Matthew Tkachuk, Alternate Captain, US Men's Hockey Team (New York Post)

“I think they probably push their beds together. I'm sure maybe they've roomed together before. If we hear someone go through a wall in the middle of the night probably know where it came from.”

— Jack Eichel (New York Post)

What’s next

The US men's hockey team will continue training and preparing for their first Olympic hockey game, which is scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The US men's hockey team's decision to fully embrace the Olympic Village experience, rather than staying in luxury hotels, demonstrates their commitment to the team camaraderie and the overall Olympic spirit. This approach contrasts with some other teams and highlights the unique bonding opportunity the village provides for the players.