Men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics is officially underway, with Slovakia and Finland facing off in the tournament’s opening game on Wednesday, February 11. From now through February 22, fans can catch all the Olympic hockey action across NBC, CNBC, USA Network, and streaming live on Peacock and NBC Sports platforms.
For Dallas Stars fans, there’s plenty to keep an eye on beyond the NHL schedule. Several key players from the Stars organization are suiting up for their national teams in Milan-Cortina, bringing their elite skills to the world stage. Let’s take a closer look at who’s representing their countries and what it means for their Olympic squads.
Jake Oettinger: Between the Pipes for Team USA
Jake Oettinger is making his Olympic debut for Team USA, and it’s a well-earned opportunity for the 27-year-old netminder. While this is his first time on the Olympic roster, Oettinger is no stranger to international play. He’s previously represented the U.S. at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2018 and more recently at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season.
Oettinger’s calm presence and technical precision in goal have made him a cornerstone for the Stars, and now he’ll look to bring that same stability to Team USA. With his mix of big-game experience and poise under pressure, he could be a key piece in the Americans’ pursuit of Olympic gold.
Finland’s “Finntastic Four” Ready to Shine
Team Finland is rolling out a stacked lineup, and four familiar faces from the Stars are right in the middle of it. Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Esa Lindell, and Mikko Rantanen have all made the trip to Italy, and they’re expected to play major roles for a Finnish squad with serious medal aspirations.
- Miro Heiskanen is making his second Olympic appearance after skating in five games and scoring a goal at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. The smooth-skating defenseman was one of the first six players named to Finland’s roster back in June, a testament to his status as a foundational piece of the team’s blue line.
- Roope Hintz, a native of Nokia, Finland, brings speed and scoring touch to the forward group. He’s no stranger to international success, having won gold at the 2016 World Juniors and most recently competing at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
- Esa Lindell, another key figure on Finland’s defensive corps, also earned his Olympic spot early. The 31-year-old from Vantaa has a strong international résumé, including a gold medal at the 2022 World Championship and a standout performance at the 2014 World Juniors where he posted five points in the tournament.
- Mikko Rantanen, suiting up for his first Olympics, will wear the ‘A’ as an alternate captain. The skilled winger has already collected international hardware with a gold at the 2016 World Juniors and a silver at the 2016 World Championship. Now, he’ll look to add Olympic success to his growing legacy.
Thomas Harley Anchors Canada’s Blue Line
Canada’s defensive unit gets a boost with the addition of Thomas Harley. The 24-year-old defenseman, born in Syracuse, New York, but with Canadian roots through his parents, brings a unique blend of mobility and hockey IQ to Team Canada. Harley has previously donned the maple leaf at multiple levels, including the 2019 Under-18 World Championship and the 2021 World Juniors, where he helped Canada to a silver medal.
Most recently, Harley competed at the 4 Nations Face-Off, giving him a taste of high-level international competition that should serve him well in Milan-Cortina. He’s expected to play a steady, two-way role for a Canadian team with gold medal ambitions.
Radek Faksa Adds Experience for Czech Republic
Veteran forward Radek Faksa is back on the international stage, this time representing Czechia at the Olympics. At 31, Faksa brings a wealth of experience to the Czech lineup.
He’s played in three World Championships (2016, 2018, 2019), three World Junior Championships (2012-2014), and the 2011 U-18 Worlds. He also suited up for Czechia at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Faksa’s dependable two-way game and international pedigree make him a valuable piece for a Czech team looking to make a deep run in the tournament.
With the puck officially dropped in Milan-Cortina, the Olympic spotlight is now shining on some of the NHL’s brightest stars-and several of them just happen to call Dallas home. Whether it’s Oettinger standing tall for the U.S., Heiskanen quarterbacking Finland’s power play, or Harley holding the line for Canada, these players aren’t just representing their countries-they’re showcasing the depth and talent that makes the Stars one of the NHL’s most internationally impactful teams.
The next two weeks promise high-stakes hockey, unforgettable moments, and maybe even a few gold medal celebrations. Let the games begin.