Olympic Men’s Hockey Is Back - And the Blackhawks Have a Few Ties to Watch
After a 12-year wait, NHL players are finally back on Olympic ice. The men’s hockey tournament in Milan is set to begin, and with it comes a new level of excitement - not just for fans of international hockey, but for anyone who’s missed seeing the world’s best compete on this stage. For Chicago Blackhawks fans, the tournament offers a few familiar faces to keep an eye on, including one current player, an assistant coach, a rising prospect, and a whole lineup of former Hawks spread across several national teams.
Teuvo Teravainen Suits Up for Finland
The lone active Blackhawk in the tournament is forward Teuvo Teravainen, who was one of the first names announced for Finland’s Olympic roster. It’s his first Olympic appearance, but he’s no stranger to the international stage - having played in the World Juniors, World Championships, the World Cup of Hockey, and most recently the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Teravainen’s season with the Blackhawks has seen its share of ups and downs, but this could be the kind of spark he needs to finish strong. He’s been skating on Finland’s second line alongside Artturi Lehkonen and Sebastian Aho - a trio that brings speed, skill, and chemistry.
With NHL talent like Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen also on the roster, Finland has the firepower to compete. But repeating their 2022 gold medal performance - won without NHL players - will be a tall order in a much deeper field this time around.
Anders Sorensen Behind the Bench for Sweden
Blackhawks assistant coach Anders Sorensen will also be in Milan, serving on the coaching staff for Team Sweden. He held a similar role during last spring’s IIHF World Championship, where Sweden took home bronze after a semifinal loss to the United States.
This Swedish squad is loaded with talent. William Nylander, Elias Pettersson, Victor Hedman, and Erik Karlsson headline a group that has both experience and elite skill. With Sorensen helping steer the ship, Sweden enters the tournament as a legitimate medal contender.
Prospect Watch: Adam Gajan Represents Slovakia
Goaltending prospect Adam Gajan continues to build his international résumé. The 2023 second-round pick made Slovakia’s Olympic roster and is coming off a strong sophomore season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Through 26 games, he’s posted a 15-11-0 record with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage - solid numbers that reflect his steady development.
Gajan has already represented Slovakia at the World Junior Championships in both 2024 and 2025, and he also suited up for the U.S. Collegiate Selects at the Spengler Cup over the holidays.
Slovakia has two other goalies on the roster - Samuel Hlavaj (Iowa Wild) and veteran Stanislav Skorvanek - so it remains to be seen how much ice time Gajan will get. But just being part of this Olympic group is a significant step in his progression.
Former Blackhawks All Over the Ice
If you’ve followed the Blackhawks over the past decade, chances are you’ll recognize quite a few names in this tournament. Thirteen former Chicago players are suiting up for six different countries, offering fans a nostalgic twist to the Olympic action.
Here’s a breakdown of the ex-Hawks and where they’re playing:
- Canada (1): Brandon Hagel (F - Lightning)
- Czechia (4): David Kampf (F - Canucks), Dominik Kubalik (F - EV Zug), Michael Kempny (D - Brynas IF), Jan Rutta (D - Servette Geneve)
- Finland (3): Henri Jokiharju (D - Bruins), Olli Maatta (D - Mammoth), Kevin Lankinen (G - Canucks)
- Germany (2): Dominik Kahun (F - Lausanne), Lukas Reichel (F - Abbotsford)
- Sweden (1): Gustav Forsling (D - Panthers)
- Switzerland (2): Philipp Kurashev (F - Sharks), Pius Suter (F - Blues)
From top-six forwards to shutdown defensemen and goaltenders, these players have all worn the Blackhawks sweater at one point or another - and now they’re chasing Olympic glory.
Key Dates to Watch
The tournament kicks off February 11, and the group stage runs through February 15. After that, it’s on to the playoff round, quarterfinals, and medal games. Here’s a look at some of the early matchups:
February 11
- Slovakia vs Finland - 9:40 am CT
- Sweden vs Italy - 2:10 pm CT
February 12
- Switzerland vs France - 5:10 am CT
- Czechia vs Canada - 9:40 am CT
- Latvia vs United States - 2:10 pm CT
- Germany vs Denmark - 2:10 pm CT
February 13
- Finland vs Sweden - 5:10 am CT
- Italy vs Slovakia - 5:10 am CT
- France vs Czechia - 9:40 am CT
- Canada vs Switzerland - 2:10 pm CT
February 14
- Sweden vs Slovakia - 5:10 am CT
- Germany vs Latvia - 5:10 am CT
- Finland vs Italy - 9:40 am CT
- United States vs Denmark - 2:10 pm CT
February 15
- Switzerland vs Czechia - 5:10 am CT
- Canada vs France - 9:40 am CT
- Denmark vs Latvia - 12:10 pm CT
- United States vs Germany - 2:10 pm CT
Playoff Round (February 17)
- Game 1 - 5:10 am CT
- Game 2 - 5:10 am CT
- Game 3 - 9:40 am CT
- Game 4 - 2:10 pm CT
Quarterfinals (February 18)
- Quarterfinal 1 - 5:10 am CT
- Quarterfinal 2 - 9:40 am CT
- Quarterfinal 3 - 11:10 am CT
- Quarterfinal 4 - 2:10 pm CT
Semifinals (February 20)
- Semifinal 1 - 9:40 am CT
- Semifinal 2 - 2:10 pm CT
Medal Games
- Bronze Medal Game - February 21, 1:40 pm CT
- Gold Medal Game - February 22, 7:10 am CT
The return of NHL players to the Olympics is a win for fans and players alike. For Blackhawks supporters, there’s plenty to root for - whether it’s watching Teravainen chase a medal, seeing Sorensen behind the bench, tracking Gajan’s development, or cheering on a few familiar names from seasons past. The puck drops in Milan, and the world will be watching.