Jaccob Slavin leaves Colorado for Olympic glory with Team USA
Jaccob Slavin, an 11-year NHL veteran, has left his hometown of Erie, Colorado, to a heartfelt farewell. The defender is now heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where he will anchor Team USA's blue line. Fans lined the streets with signs and American flags to show their support before his departure.
The Olympic men's hockey tournament kicks off on Wednesday, February 11. Team USA's first match will be against Latvia the following day at 3:10 p.m. ET, with coverage across USA, SN, and CBC networks.
Slavin's reputation as a reliable defender was on full display last February. During the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, he helped the U.S. concede just seven goals. His experience and leadership have earned him a key role in the upcoming Olympic campaign.
The U.S. men's hockey team has a modest Olympic history. Since the competition began in 1920, they have won only two gold medals—first in 1960 at Squaw Valley and again in 1980 at Lake Placid. No other medals appear in official records up to 2022.
Back in Erie, neighbours gathered to celebrate Slavin's Olympic journey. The community's enthusiasm reflected the pride in his long NHL career and his new challenge on the international stage.
The tournament will be broadcast live on major networks, giving fans a chance to watch Slavin and Team USA in action. Their opening game against Latvia marks the start of a campaign where the U.S. will aim to add to its historic medal count. Slavin's leadership on defence will be crucial as the team pursues Olympic success.
