COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey has announced that Jackson LaCombe, a talented defenseman for the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and a native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has been selected for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. This news comes as LaCombe steps in to replace the injured Seth Jones of the Florida Panthers.
LaCombe’s remarkable achievements have bolstered his reputation on the international stage. He played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. to its first gold medal at the IIHF Men’s World Championship since 1933, a landmark victory that occurred just this past May. Now in his third full season in the NHL, LaCombe also holds notable accomplishments from previous tournaments, having been a part of the gold medal-winning U.S. National Junior Team at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
During his time at the University of Minnesota from 2019 to 2023, LaCombe served as an alternate captain in his final season, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to the sport.
The U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team is set to kick off its tournament on February 12 in Milan, Italy, with a matchup against Latvia. Fans can tune in for the game, which is scheduled to start at 9:10 p.m. local time (3:10 p.m. ET), on the USA Network or via the Peacock streaming service. As the team prepares for the competition, LaCombe’s inclusion brings hope and excitement for a successful Olympic journey.