Hertl, Schmid and Rondbjerg Bring VGK Olympian Total to Eight
The Golden Knights list of Olympians has grown to include Tomas Hertl, Akira Schmid and Jonas Rondbjerg, bringing the total count to eight players that will represent their country in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
Jonas Rondbjerg was one of two Golden Knights to be named to their country’s Olympic roster in June, joining Jack Eichel (USA). Rondbjerg will make his Olympic debut in February after representing Denmark in four World Junior Championships from 2016-19, as well as U-18 World Junior Championship, and the World Championship and in Olympic qualifier games in 2025.
Tomas Hertl will also make his Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games after being named to Czechia’s roster. The Prague native will skate on Olympic ice for the first time after wearing a Czechia sweater on the international stage for seven tournaments in his career, including four times at the IIHF World Championship (2022, 2015, 2014, 2013) three times at IIHF World Junior Championship (2013, 2012, 2011).
The Golden Knights will also have a netminder in Italy in February, as Akira Schmid was chosen to represent Switzerland. A native of the Swiss capital, Bern, Schmid has represented his country three times before, including two Junior World Championships, and the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he lifted Switzerland to a silver medal with three wins (3-0-0) and a .946 save percentage.
Congratulations, and best of luck to all eight VGK Olympians competing in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games in February. Hopefully, when NHL play resumes at the end of February, the Golden Knights will have three types of medal to pass around the dressing room.
By Kevin Kelly
