Team USA 'can already sense' chemistry at 2026 Olympics

Roster loaded with players who helped reach OT of 4 Nations championship game

Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:55am

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The United States men's hockey team is already feeling a strong sense of chemistry as they prepare for the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Many players on the roster were part of the team that reached the overtime of the 4 Nations championship game last year, giving them valuable experience and familiarity with each other and the coaching staff.

Why it matters

Building chemistry and familiarity is crucial for any national team looking to succeed at the Olympics. The fact that Team USA has a roster full of players who have already played together gives them a significant advantage heading into the 2026 Games.

The details

Several key players from the 4 Nations team are back, including defensemen Hughes and Faber, who are a pairing for the Minnesota Wild. Coach John Hynes, an assistant for Team USA, is also familiar with the players. Additionally, defenseman Werenski has experience moving to the right side, which is necessary due to the roster makeup. The players feel the systems and terminology are already familiar, allowing them to focus on playing hockey rather than thinking too much on the ice.

  • The United States reached the overtime of the 4 Nations championship game in 2025.
  • Team USA is preparing for the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

The players

Hughes

A defenseman for the Minnesota Wild who is part of the Team USA roster.

Brock Faber

A defenseman for the Minnesota Wild who is part of the Team USA roster and played with Hughes at the 4 Nations championship.

John Hynes

The head coach of the Minnesota Wild who is also an assistant coach for the U.S. men's hockey team.

Jaccob Slavin

A defenseman who played with Brock Faber at the 4 Nations championship and is part of the Team USA roster.

Zach Werenski

A defenseman who has experience playing on the right side, which is necessary due to the roster makeup of Team USA.

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What they’re saying

“We had a little bit of success last year, and hopefully we can pick up where that left off.”

— Matthew Tkachuk

“Played solid together last year, and so much confidence going into it. Don't have to feel each other out as much this year.”

— Jaccob Slavin, Defenseman

“I'm just familiar with how he wants us to play. All the terms he's using, I'm familiar with, which I think helps a lot individually. There's less thinking out there. It's just playing hockey and understanding where you have to be.”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman

What’s next

The United States men's hockey team will continue their preparations for the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina, building on the chemistry and familiarity they developed during the 4 Nations championship last year.

The takeaway

Team USA's roster for the 2026 Olympics is loaded with players who have already proven they can work well together, having reached the overtime of the 4 Nations championship game in 2025. This experience and chemistry gives the Americans a significant advantage as they look to medal at the upcoming Games.