MILAN — During a practice session for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Monday, the influence of last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off was evident, shaping everything from the team’s lineups to their camaraderie.
The United States had a strong showing at the 4 Nations tournament, reaching the finals where they narrowly lost 3-2 to Canada in overtime. The team is optimistic that replicating this performance could pave the way for their first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 1980.
Defenseman Zach Werenski reflected on their previous success, stating, “We had a really good tournament last year. We were one goal short of winning it, so it’s not like you need to change too much, right? You can get chemistry quick.”
Before practice at Santagiulia Arena, the team gathered for a group photo. Out of the 25 players on the roster, 21 have returned from the 4 Nations tournament, although defenseman Quinn Hughes was absent due to a lower-body injury.
The leadership core remains intact, featuring center Auston Matthews as captain, flanked by defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward Matthew Tkachuk as alternate captains. Matthews expressed his pride in leading the team, emphasizing the importance of continuity and leadership: “It’s leadership throughout our whole team, and you could see that last February, and you can already sense it here, being here in Milan.”
Coach Mike Sullivan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of the chemistry forged during the 4 Nations experience. “We really liked the chemistry that the group developed,” he noted, adding that the strong character and leadership displayed by the players are crucial components for success in international tournaments.
With a solid foundation built from past experiences, Team USA is eager to transform their momentum into gold-medal success in the upcoming Olympics. This optimistic outlook reflects the belief that continuity and teamwork, alongside individual talent, can yield great results on the ice.