Auston Matthews to captain Team USA at Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics
Team USA has named its leadership group for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Auston Matthews will serve as captain, with Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk as alternates. The team held its first practice after arriving from New York, focusing on recovery rather than strategy.
The U.S. Olympic roster includes 25 players, 21 of whom competed at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off. Details about line combinations, defensive pairings, or goaltending plans were not shared during the initial session. Instead, the focus remained on light drills to adjust after a long flight.
Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, brings a decorated career to the role. He has previously won the Hart Trophy and the Rocket Richard Trophy. His leadership will guide a squad featuring two experienced alternates.
Charlie McAvoy, a defenseman for the Boston Bruins, has recorded 39 points in 45 games this season. Matthew Tkachuk, an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers, adds eight points in 10 games to his Olympic resume. The team's first test comes on Thursday, February 23, against Latvia in the preliminary round.
The Americans enter the tournament with a core group familiar from last year's 4 Nations Face-Off. Their opening match against Latvia will mark the first step in their Olympic campaign. Leadership from Matthews, McAvoy, and Tkachuk will be key as they aim for success in Milano Cortina.
