USA Hockey Assembles All-Star Lineup for World Championship in Preparation for 2026 Olympics
USA Hockey is preparing for the return of NHL players to the Olympics in 2026 by assembling a star-studded roster for the upcoming world championship. The team has announced its first 15 players, including top talent like Brady Tkachuk, Johnny Gaudreau, Seth Jones, Dylan Larkin, and Zach Werenski. Luke Hughes, a young defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, is the youngest player on the roster.
The U.S. has a history of success at the world championship, with six bronze medals and one gold medal dating back to 1933. In recent years, U.S. world championship teams have typically included one or two NHL All-Stars, making this year’s five All-Star players a standout selection. However, many top American players, such as Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck, are still competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, which often impacts team availability for worlds.
Head coach John Hynes will lead the team at worlds, with the U.S. aiming to improve upon its fourth-place finishes in the last two championships. The return of NHL players to the Olympics in 2026 is a highly anticipated development for hockey fans
