COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Auston Matthews, the captain of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs from Scottsdale, Arizona, has been appointed as the captain of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, as announced by USA Hockey today.
Joining Matthews will be Matthew Tkachuk from St. Louis, Missouri, who serves as an alternate captain for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and Charlie McAvoy from Long Beach, New York, an alternate captain for the Boston Bruins. Both Tkachuk and McAvoy have been named alternate captains for Team USA.
“Auston, Charlie, and Matthew did a fantastic job leading our team a year ago at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and it’s wonderful to have them back in these roles for the Olympics,” said Bill Guerin from Wilbraham, Massachusetts, the general manager of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team and president of hockey operations for the Minnesota Wild. “Each of them brings unique leadership qualities, and I know they are all eager, along with our entire team, to represent our country as part of Team USA.”
Matthews, Tkachuk, and McAvoy have previously collaborated on the international stage, most recently helping the U.S. secure a second-place finish in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, held in Montreal and Boston. The trio also contributed to the U.S. winning gold at the 2015 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Additionally, Matthews has an impressive track record, having been part of the gold medal-winning U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team at the 2014 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship and also representing Team USA in the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship and 2016 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
Team USA will kick off its Olympic journey on Thursday, February 12, in Milan, Italy, facing off against Latvia at the Milano Santaguilia Arena. The match is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. local time, or 3:10 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast live on the USA Network. All hockey games during the Olympic Tournament will also be available for streaming live on Peacock.
Notably, Matthew Tkachuk’s father, Keith, was an alternate captain on the 1996 World Cup of Hockey championship-winning U.S. team and held the same role for Team USA in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Fans interested in following Team USA throughout the Olympic Winter Games can find additional information through USA Hockey platforms.
As the Olympic Games approach, the excitement and anticipation for the U.S. team grows, showcasing a talented roster filled with proven leaders committed to bringing home a medal.