With the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just weeks away, the NHL and NHLPA are keeping a close watch on global developments - but as of now, there are no plans to ramp up security for American or other NHL players heading to Italy.
That’s the word from NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh, who addressed the situation Thursday afternoon. “We’re working closely with the league on that, just to monitor anything,” Walsh said. The message is clear: while there’s no immediate alarm, the league and the players’ association are staying vigilant.
Eyes Wide Open Ahead of the Olympics
The backdrop to this heightened awareness is a tense international climate. Earlier this month, U.S.
President Donald Trump launched an offensive against Venezuela, and more recently, he stirred global controversy by threatening to occupy Greenland - a move that drew swift backlash both at home and abroad. While these geopolitical flashpoints aren’t directly tied to the Olympics, they’ve raised broader concerns about safety, particularly in an event that historically intertwines with international politics.
Walsh acknowledged those concerns, noting that while there’s no active threat, they’re not taking anything for granted. “I'm going to make sure that - I think the Olympics have had a lot of past incidents that have happened, and they're certainly well prepared to be able to handle things,” he said. “The league has great people over there as well with this stuff.”
Walsh emphasized that the NHL and NHLPA are in lockstep on the issue: “We work closely with them, and we're going to continue to work closely with them as we go into the games. If any issues arise, I'm sure that we'll be able to jointly work on them and take care of them to make sure our players and their families get the best experience.”
A History That Can’t Be Ignored
When Walsh refers to “past incidents,” he’s pointing to moments that have left permanent marks on Olympic history. The 1972 Munich Games were marred by the horrific attack in which 11 Israeli athletes and coaches were taken hostage and killed by the Palestinian group Black September. Then, in 1996, the Atlanta Olympics were rocked by a domestic terrorist bombing in Centennial Olympic Park, killing two and injuring over 100.
These events serve as stark reminders that the Olympics, despite their unifying spirit, have long been susceptible to political and ideological violence. That history isn’t lost on league officials or players’ representatives, especially as the world enters another period of geopolitical unrest.
NHL Confident in Safety Measures
Before Walsh spoke publicly, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also weighed in on the matter, offering a measured but confident response. “Obviously, the safety of all American Olympic athletes, including hockey players, is an absolute priority, both for the relevant organizing entities and for the NHL,” Daly said via email. “With that in mind, we are confident that appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure the protection of our players while they are in Milan.”
The International Olympic Committee has yet to respond to requests for comment, but the NHL’s stance is clear: they trust the systems already in place, and they’re ready to act if anything changes.
Countdown to the Ice
Olympic hockey action begins February 11, with Slovakia facing Finland and Sweden taking on host nation Italy. Team USA opens its tournament run the following day against Latvia. The gold medal game is set for February 22, and with NHL players back in the Olympic mix, the anticipation is sky-high.
But beyond the matchups and medal dreams, player safety remains a top priority - and while there’s no red alert, the league and NHLPA are making sure they’re ready for whatever the world throws their way.