LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Eight members of the Golden Knights organization are representing their countries in Milano-Cortina for the 2026 Winter Games.
The men’s hockey preliminary round gets underway Wednesday, but before they dropped the puck, several Golden Knights players shared their thoughts on fulfilling a lifelong dream.
“It’s really special, something you dreamt of as a kid. I remember I always sat and watch TV, watched re-runs or any time it was live Hockey Canada, so to be a part of it and wear that jersey, it’s special,” said Mitch Marner, Team Canada forward.
Players embrace Olympic opportunity
For many of the players, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of international competition.
“I think as athletes when you’re going to be part of something you’ve always dreamed of, it’s only human nature to let your mind wander,” said Jack Eichel, Team USA forward.
Akira Schmid, Team Switzerland goaltender, expressed his excitement for the broader Olympic experience. “Just very excited, excited to play, see other sports, see athletes compete. You know it’s the Olympics, so it’s very exciting,” Schmid said.
Marner anticipates the unique atmosphere of the Olympic village. “It will be cool. I’m excited to get to the village, see what it’s like, I think you have roommates, so it will be a different vibe, it will be fun,” he said.
Team Canada builds on 4Nations success
For Marner, he will once again join forces with Mark Stone, Shea Theodore and Bruce Cassidy as Team Canada looks for a similar ending to the one they achieved at the 4Nations Face-Off in 2025.
“Yeah, I think it brings a little comfort obviously, you know I think the other nice thing about the 4Nations is a lot of the same guys are going. You made some pretty good bonds over that week there, so it will be nice to get back there, get the systems going, and make sure we bring a good, positive mindset to it as well. It’s going to be a hard tournament, a lot of challenges, but nice to have some familiar faces,” Marner said.
Andersson embraces Sweden opportunity
Rasmus Andersson has been a Golden Knight for less than a month. As happy as he was to join Vegas, he says he’s just as excited for the international competition that awaits with Team Sweden.
“I love it every time I do it and I had such a long break between, for 10 years, so you almost forget that feeling, but it’s awesome and I love it. It’s extra special and that’s kind of what you dream about growing up,” Andersson said.
Andersson reflected on his 4Nations experience. “It was awesome, even though I didn’t play the first two games, it was the time of my life. That first Canada Sweden game, I was sitting from the press box and usually the game looks slow from up there, but it was pretty fast from up there, it was probably the best game I’ve ever watched live,” he said.
Hanifin honored by Team USA selection
Noah Hanifin also had the 4Nations experience, but he admits he didn’t know if he would get this Olympic opportunity until he finally got the call from USA General Manager Bill Guerin.
“It was unbelievable, it’s an honor, it’s a privilege to represent your country on any stage, especially the Olympics it’s pretty serious for family, friends, teammates, organization, it’s cool to represent everybody over there,” Hanifin said.
“It’s been on our minds for a while, but now it’s getting pretty close and the excitement is ramping up… it’s obviously going to be a great experience, but yeah we’re excited,” he said.
The goal is gold
Whether it’s Hanifin and Eichel with Team USA, the Canadian contingent, Tomas Hertl with Czechia, or Akira Schmid with Switzerland, the goal is gold. But the experience and lasting impact on the next generation of those watching will be just as memorable.
“Yeah, we ‘re excited to go over to Milan and try and get more people to tune in and start loving hockey and try to give it a shot themselves, so it will be a different experience, a different vibe in that arena. I’m sure there are going to be a lot of Canadians that travel over there, but it’s going to be fun,” Marner said.
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