Denmark's underdog hockey team storms into 2026 Olympics with record NHL talent
Denmark's ice hockey team is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics with its strongest roster yet. The small Nordic nation, home to just 6 million people, has quietly built a reputation for producing top NHL talent. This year's squad features more NHL players than ever before, marking a significant step for Danish hockey.
Denmark's Olympic journey began only recently, with its first appearance in 2022. The 2026 Games will be just its second time competing on this stage. Despite its modest size—roughly a quarter of Florida's population—the country has punched above its weight in hockey.
The team's rise has been fuelled by trailblazers like Frans Nielsen, the first Dane to play in the NHL (2006-21). His success inspired a generation, including stars like Nikolaj Ehlers, Lars Eller, and Frederik Andersen. Eller, now with over 1,000 NHL games, will finally share the ice with Oliver Bjorkstrand at the Olympics.
Denmark's 2026 roster includes six NHL players, with seven Danes appearing in the league this season alone. The team's progress was highlighted last year when it stunned Canada at the 2025 World Championships, finishing fourth—its best-ever result. Eleven players on the Olympic squad have NHL experience, a record for Denmark.
Their first test comes on Saturday at 3:10 p.m. against Team USA, featuring Lightning forward Jake Guentzel. Bjorkstrand admits Denmark may still be underestimated in the tournament. But with a growing pipeline of talent, the team is no longer an underdog by accident.
The 2026 Olympics will showcase Denmark's hockey growth, from a single NHL pioneer to a roster packed with elite talent. With more young players emerging, the country's presence in the sport looks set to expand. For now, the focus is on proving themselves against the world's best in Milan.
