The United States of America is preparing for its most star-studded roster to represent the country in a world championship in recent history. This announcement was made on Wednesday, as the team gears up for NHL players to return to the Olympics in 2026.
The roster includes five players who have made at least one NHL All-Star team, led by Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk. Other players on the team include seven-time All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau, five-time All-Star defenseman Seth Jones, three-time All-Star forward Dylan Larkin, and two-time All-Star defenseman Zach Werenski. The youngest player of the first 15 named is 20-year-old defenseman Luke Hughes from the New Jersey Devils.
This roster is expected to be even more star-studded as more players are expected to be added closer to the start of the tournament in Czechia on May 10. The head coach of the team is John Hynes, who is currently the Minnesota Wild head coach.
The United States has had success at the world championships, finishing fourth in the last two years and making it to the semifinals 12 times since bracketed playoffs were reinstated in 1992. Their best finish during that time was third place with six bronze medals. However, their last silver medal came in 1950 and they have won no gold medals at standalone worlds since then.
In further news, NHL players will be participating in the Olympics in 2026 for the first time since 2014, which adds an extra layer of excitement surrounding USA Hockey’s preparations for this upcoming world championship tournament.
