Italy is gearing up to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics as the host nation, but its men’s ice hockey roster presents a unique challenge. With the return of NHL players to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, Italy finds itself without any representatives from the NHL, which could prove detrimental to their aspirations on the international stage.
The Italian national team typically competes in the second tier of the World Championships, specifically in IIHF Division IA, which means the level of competition they will face at the Olympics will be markedly higher. Their opening match is set for Wednesday against Sweden, a squad composed entirely of NHL athletes.
Defenseman Thomas Larkin expressed his excitement and disbelief at the opportunity to play on such a grand stage. “It’s very surreal to play a tournament here. It’s not something that I ever dreamed could happen. When you grow up playing hockey in Italy, it’s not even in the realm of possible things to happen. I’m very proud to have grown up here and be from right here,” he stated while reflecting on his journey and the honor of representing his country.
The roster features a mix of players, including 13 who were born and raised in Italy, along with nine Canadians, two Americans, and one Swede, all eligible under Olympic regulations. While none have NHL experience, many have played in the American Hockey League (AHL) or the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), bringing a level of professional experience to the team.
As Italy faces the daunting task of competing against some of the world’s best players, the support from the home crowd may provide an emotional boost as they strive for a memorable performance in front of their fans. The spirit of the Olympics lies in the potential for unexpected outcomes, and Italy will aim to channel its home advantage into achieving something remarkable during the tournament.