The trail to the 2026 Winter Olympics is formally underway.
Thirty-six CHL alumni gathered in Calgary, AB., earlier this week for a quick three-day orientation camp hosted by Hockey Canada as preparation for Milan-Cortina 2026 begun.
“It is a massive group,” stated Pittsburgh Penguins captain and Rimouski Oceanic alumnus Sidney Crosby. “Some acquainted faces however numerous new ones from the final time we acquired collectively right here in 2014. Attending to know everybody and getting as a lot preparation so far as realizing what to anticipate after we go there. It is numerous issues crammed into three days nevertheless it’s actually essential for us.”
Whereas there might not be a ton of carryover from the final time NHL gamers have been concerned on the Olympics – simply three gamers in Crosby, Drew Doughty and John Tavares suited up for Canada 12 years in the past once they gained gold – there’s vital current familiarity from this yr’s 4 Nations; all 21 CHL gamers that gained gold with Canada have been invited to this week’s camp.
“Plenty of us performed collectively on the 4 Nations however for us as a bunch, attempt to put together as greatest as we are able to whether or not it is issues on the ice or off the ice that may assist us after we get there,” Crosby stated. “Any time we will be collectively and profit from this time is essential and we’ll attempt to profit from it.”
With out NHL participation in a decade plus, and a roster for orientation camp that’s largely comprised of gamers born in 1990 or later, the vast majority of Canada’s squad hadn’t even begun their junior careers when Canada gained gold in 2014. Now, a chance exists to play in arguably the most important sports activities occasion on this planet.
“You discuss to folks which were there and the consensus is at all times ‘there’s nothing prefer it or compares to it,'” stated the Florida Panthers’ Sam Reinhart who gained a WHL title with the Kootenay Ice in 2011. “It has been out of the sport for therefore lengthy you virtually do not take it with no consideration due to that.
“There’s numerous high-end gamers that missed out on that chance so it’s a must to sort of cherish it … you virtually relish it that rather more and seize that chance.”
In all, 19 gamers at camp beforehand performed within the OHL, 11 within the WHL and 6 within the QMJHL. Moreover, there are a pair of possession ties; new Brantford Bulldogs proprietor Zach Hyman is included as is Penticton Vees accomplice and Barrie Colt alumnus Mark Scheifele.
The 12-team match will get underway Feb. 11 the place Canada has been drawn into Group A alongside Czechia, Switzerland and France. The gold medal recreation will happen Feb. 22.
Goaltenders (3)
Title
NHL membership
CHL membership
Jordan Binnington
St. Louis Blues
Owen Sound Assault (2009-13)
Adin Hill
Vegas Golden Knights
Portland Winterhawks (2013-16)
Sam Montembeault
Montreal Canadiens
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (2013-17)
Defencemen (9)
Title
NHL membership
CHL membership
Evan Bouchard
Edmonton Oilers
London Knights (2015-19)
Noah Dobson
Montreal Canadiens
Acadie-Bathurst Titan / Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (2016-19)
Drew Doughty
LA Kings
Guelph Storm (2005-08)
Aaron Ekblad
Florida Panthers
Barrie Colts (2011-14)
Thomas Harley
Dallas Stars
Mississauga Steelheads (2017-2020)
Josh Morrissey
Winnipeg Jets
Prince Albert Raiders / Kelowna Rockets (2010-15)
Travis Sanheim
Philadelphia Flyers
Calgary Hitmen (2013-16)
Shea Theodore
Vegas Golden Knights
Seattle Thunderbirds (2010-15)
MacKenzie Weegar
Calgary Flames
Halifax Mooseheads (2012-14)
Forwards (24)
Title
NHL membership
CHL membership
Connor Bedard
Chicago Blackhawks
Regina Pats (2020-23)
Sam Bennett
Florida Panthers
Kingston Frontenacs (2012-15)
Quinton Byfield
LA Kings
Sudbury Wolves (2018-20)
Anthony Cirelli
Tampa Bay Lightning
Oshawa Generals / Erie Otters (2014-17)
Sidney Crosby
Pittsburgh Penguins
Rimouski Oceanic (2003-05)
Brandon Hagel
Tampa Bay Lightning
Pink Deer Rebels (2015-19)
Bo Horvat
New York Islanders
London Knights (2011-14)
Seth Jarvis
Carolina Hurricanes
Portland Winterhawks (2017-21)
Wyatt Johnston
Dallas Stars
Windsor Spitfires (2019-22)
Travis Konecny
Philadelphia Flyers
Ottawa 67’s / Sarnia Sting (2013-16)
Nathan MacKinnon
Colorado Avalanche
Halifax Mooseheads (2011-13)
Brad Marchard
Florida Panthers
Moncton Wildcats / Val-d’Or Foreurs / Halifax Mooseheads (2004-08)
Mitch Marner
Vegas Golden Knights
London Knights (2013-16)
Connor McDavid
Edmonton Oilers
Erie Otters (2012-15)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Edmonton Oilers
Pink Deer Rebels (2008-11)
Brayden Level
Tampa Bay Lightning
Moose Jaw Warriors (2011-16)
Sam Reinhart
Florida Panthers
Kootenay Ice (2010-15)
Mark Scheifele
Winnipeg Jets
Barrie Colts (2010-13)
Mark Stone
Vegas Golden Knights
Brandon Wheat Kings (2008-12)
Nick Suzuki
Montreal Canadiens
Owen Sound Assault / Guelph Storm (2015-19)
John Tavares
Toronto Maple Leafs
Oshawa Generals / London Knights (2005-09)
Robert Thomas
St. Louis Blues
London Knights / Hamilton Bulldogs (2015-18)
Carter Verhaeghe
Florida Panthers
Niagara IceDogs (2011-15)
Tom Wilson
Washington Capitals
Plymouth Whalers (2010-13)
