Auston Matthews leads the 2026 U.S. Olympic hockey team, joining brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Jack Eichel, and Charlie McAvoy as the first six players announced for the roster. These athletes, all 28 years old or younger, are set to compete in the Milan Cortina Games starting February 6, marking the first NHL-participated Winter Olympics since 2014, as the U.S. aims to win its first men’s hockey gold since the 1980 Miracle on Ice.
Quinn Hughes: Top Defenseman with a Unique Family Legacy
Quinn Hughes, defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks and the 2024 Norris Trophy winner, brings exceptional talent and a notable family history to the team. His mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, was a pioneer in U.S. women’s soccer and hockey, playing on the national hockey team before women’s hockey was included in the Olympics. Quinn, 25, is the eldest of three brothers—alongside Jack, a forward for the New Jersey Devils, and Luke, also a Devils defenseman—all of whom could potentially make the Olympic team. The brothers once appeared together on the cover of the EA Sports NHL 25 video game.
Historically, it is rare for three brothers to compete together in Olympic hockey. The only previous instance was with Anton, Marian, and Peter Stastny representing Czechoslovakia in 1980. The Stevens brothers, Curtis, Hubert, and Paul, were the only trio to compete on the same U.S. Winter Olympic team in any sport in 1932, according to Olympic historian Bill Mallon.
Charlie McAvoy: Defensive Talent Battling Back from Injury
Charlie McAvoy, defenseman for the Boston Bruins, grew up skating on Long Island, New York, where his father’s plumbing and heating business once installed a rink. From a young age, McAvoy worked hard doing chores in local establishments, preparing for his hockey journey. Now 27, McAvoy has already achieved success as a world champion at the under-18 and under-20 levels. Unfortunately, he has not competed recently due to a staph infection in his right shoulder sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Adding to the family connection, U.S. Olympic head coach Mike Sullivan is McAvoy’s father-in-law, creating a unique personal dynamic within the team’s leadership.
Jack Eichel: Experienced Forward Ready for Olympic Debut
Jack Eichel, a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, has been recognized as a leading U.S. hockey talent from an early age. At 18, he was called “the face of USA Hockey” by Miracle on Ice captain Mike Eruzione. Eichel has accumulated an impressive record, including being the second freshman to earn NCAA Player of the Year and a No. 2 pick in the NHL Draft. He has played in every major international competition, from world juniors to the World Cup and the 4 Nations Face-Off, but the Olympics have remained elusive until now.
Notably, Eichel participated as the youngest player in the inaugural Youth Olympics in 2012. To date, no male athlete who competed in Youth Olympic hockey has gone on to compete in the senior Olympic Games.
Auston Matthews: Leading Goal Scorer and Team Anchor
Auston Matthews, forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is recognized as the most prolific American goal scorer on a per-game NHL basis. Born in Arizona, Matthews was initially named to the 2022 Olympic team alongside Patrick Kane and Seth Jones, but the NHL withdrew due to scheduling challenges from COVID-19 disruptions.
Drafted first overall in 2016, Matthews made an electrifying regular-season debut by scoring four goals, including three in the first 22 minutes. He has been selected for every NHL All-Star Game since then. During the 2023-24 season, Matthews scored 69 goals, matching the highest goal tally achieved since Mario Lemieux reached the same number in 1995-96.
The Tkachuk Brothers: Continuing a Family Tradition on the Olympic Stage
Brady and Matthew Tkachuk are the first brothers named together to the U.S. Olympic hockey team since Derian and Kevin Hatcher in 1998, with the potential addition of the Hughes brothers later. The Tkachuk family has a rich Olympic history, as their father, Keith Tkachuk, competed in the 1992 Albertville Games and participated in the first three Olympics allowing NHL players (1998, 2002, and 2006). Keith holds the U.S. record for most Olympic games played with 23.
At the 4 Nations Face-Off, Brady and Matthew earned the nickname “Bash Brothers” for their physical style and aggressive play alongside Jack Eichel. They coordinated altercations with Canadian players through pregame group texts, an incident that helped broaden their recognition, including appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the Kelce brothers’ podcast.
Significance and Expectations for the 2026 U.S. Team
The announcement of these six talented players sets a strong foundation for the U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With a mix of proven NHL stars and a commitment to reviving the nation’s storied hockey legacy, the team aims to capture its first Olympic gold since the unforgettable 1980 Miracle on Ice victory in Lake Placid. The inclusion of young, elite players like Auston Matthews, alongside dynamic forwards and top-level defenders, generates optimism for a deep and competitive roster once the full team is finalized ahead of the Games.
The NHL’s return to the Olympic stage after a 12-year hiatus promises a high level of competition, adding further anticipation and intensity to the tournament. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the United States strives to capitalize on this talented core, hoping to return to the top of international men’s hockey.