Eichel and Hanifin are Olympians for Team USA! 🇺🇸
On June 16, Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel was named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team as one of the first six players on the preliminary roster. Despite representing Team USA in numerous past events, like in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off last year, this will be Eichel’s first career trip to the Olympic Games.
On Friday, Jan. 2, Team USA announced that VGK defenseman Noah Hanifin was named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, joining Eichel. Hanifin represented the United States at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off last February, where he helped Team USA advance to the tournament’s championship game. This will be Hanifin’s first career trip to the Olympic Games as well.
Eichel and Hanifin will compete among the best American NHL players at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games in February. These games welcome NHL players to compete for the first time since 2014 in Sochi.
Noah Hanifin got an early morning phone call on New Year’s Eve from Team USA's General Manager, Bill Guerin, who told him that he was going to be an Olympian.
Both Massachusetts natives are excited and ready to represent their country at the Winter Games.
Best of luck to all the VGK Olympians competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games in February! Go Knights Go!
By: Katie Freter
