Stars Defenseman Thriving with Team Canada at Olympics

Thomas Harley playing big role, enjoying full experience at 2026 Winter Games

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley has impressed with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, playing a key role alongside veteran Drew Doughty. Harley, a late replacement on the team, has embraced the full Olympic experience and is relishing the chance to compete against the world's best hockey players.

Why it matters

Harley's strong performance at the Olympics showcases the depth of talent on the Dallas Stars roster and highlights the continued growth and development of the young defenseman. His ability to step up on the international stage also bodes well for the Stars' future as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

Harley has played a significant role for Team Canada, impressing his defense partner Doughty with his all-around game. Doughty praised Harley's defensive abilities, puck-handling skills, and scoring touch, noting that the young defenseman is "good at everything." Harley has also enjoyed the full Olympic experience, saying the level of competition is "very similar" to the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament he participated in last year.

  • Harley was a late replacement on the Team Canada roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Harley has played in two games against the United States and is set to face tougher competition as the tournament continues.

The players

Thomas Harley

A defenseman for the Dallas Stars who has emerged as a key contributor for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Drew Doughty

A veteran defenseman for Team Canada and a two-time Olympic gold medalist who has praised Harley's play and is enjoying playing alongside the young Stars blueliner.

Jake Oettinger

The starting goaltender for the United States men's hockey team and a teammate of Harley's with the Dallas Stars, who is not surprised by Harley's success at the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I played against the U.S. twice, and that was kind of the best of the best of the best. [Czechia] and Switzerland are very good teams, but they're not quite there. But I think as this tournament continues and gets better, it's going to become very similar [to 4 Nations in terms of speed].”

— Thomas Harley (NHL.com)

“I love playing with him. Yeah, he's still pretty young. He's got a lot of hockey left in him. He's just good at everything. He's sound defensively, good at breaking pucks out, can score. He's a great player.”

— Drew Doughty (NHL.com)

“I don't think anyone was really surprised last year when he jumped into that 4 Nations team for him. It's something that we see every day, the confidence. He's obviously really skilled, really smart, so it's not surprising to see him thriving with guys like that.”

— Jake Oettinger, U.S. Goalie (NHL.com)

What’s next

As the Olympic tournament continues, Harley and Team Canada will face tougher competition, including potential matchups against hockey powerhouses like Russia and Finland.

The takeaway

Thomas Harley's strong performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics showcases the depth of talent on the Dallas Stars roster and highlights the continued growth and development of the young defenseman. His ability to step up on the international stage bodes well for the Stars' future as they look to build on their recent success.