Team USA Eyes Hockey Gold: Hughes Brothers Lead Olympic Charge
The United States men’s hockey team begins its quest for Olympic gold on Thursday, February 12th, against Latvia. This marks the return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014, injecting a new level of excitement and competition into the tournament.
A Family Affair: The Hughes and Tkachuk Brothers
This year’s Team USA roster boasts a unique element: two sets of brothers. Jack and Quinn Hughes, along with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, will all compete together. This sibling representation is a rare occurrence, with the last time two sets of brothers played for Team USA at the Olympics being in 1960, when the team secured gold.
Key Players to Watch
Leading the charge for Team USA is Jack Hughes, center for the New Jersey Devils. Hughes was a full participant in practice on Sunday, February 8th, after recovering from a lower-body injury. He’ll be joined by his brother, Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild, and a roster of NHL stars including Auston Matthews, Kyle Connor, and Connor Hellebuyck.
Coaching Leadership
The team will be guided by New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, tasked with leading the squad to its first Olympic gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Details
Team USA will play three preliminary games in Group C. Following the February 12th matchup against Latvia, they will face Denmark on February 14th and Germany on February 15th. All three games will be broadcast on USA Network and streamed on Peacock, beginning at 3:10 p.m. ET each day.
The Return of NHL Talent
The inclusion of NHL players significantly elevates the level of competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. This return is expected to draw larger audiences and generate increased media coverage, revitalizing interest in international hockey.
Complete Team USA Men’s Hockey Roster
- Matt Boldy
- Kyle Connor
- Jack Eichel
- Brock Faber
- Jake Guentzel
- Noah Hanifin
- Connor Hellebuyck
- Jack Hughes
- Quinn Hughes
- Seth Jones
- Clayton Keller
- Dylan Larkin
- Auston Matthews
- Charlie McAvoy
- J.T. Miller
- Brock Nelson
- Jake Oettinger
- Jake Sanderson
- Jaccob Slavin
- Jeremy Swayman
- Tage Thompson
- Brady Tkachuk
- Matthew Tkachuk
- Vincent Trocheck
- Zach Werenski
FAQ
When does the men’s hockey tournament start? The tournament begins on February 11th, 2026.
Where can I watch Team USA’s games? Games will be broadcast on USA Network and streamed on Peacock.
Has Team USA won Olympic gold in men’s hockey before? Yes, Team USA won gold in 1980 with the “Miracle on Ice” team.
Are there any siblings on the Team USA roster? Yes, Jack and Quinn Hughes, and Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are both on the team.
What group is Team USA in? Team USA is in Group C.
What time do Team USA games start? All Team USA preliminary games start at 3:10 p.m. ET.
What is the format of the tournament? The tournament consists of a preliminary round followed by a single-elimination bracket, culminating in the gold medal game.
Stay Updated
Follow Team USA’s journey to Olympic gold! Explore more coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics at NBC Olympics and Team USA Hockey.
