Team USA is heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics with expectations as high as the Italian Alps. The men’s hockey team opens play Thursday in Milan-Cortina, and with a roster stacked with NHL stars, they’re not just showing up-they’re aiming to take over.
Before the puck even drops, though, Team USA already has a bit of swagger thanks to goaltender Jake Oettinger. The Dallas Stars netminder revealed a custom Olympic mask that’s turning heads across the hockey world.
Designed by NHL mask artist David Gunnarsson, the piece-nicknamed “The Freedom Ripper”-is a bold, patriotic statement. And let’s be honest: if you’re a forward staring down Oettinger in the crease, that mask alone might be enough to give you pause.
Oettinger’s not just bringing flash-he’s bringing serious substance. Now in his sixth full season as the Stars’ starter, the 27-year-old has cemented himself as one of the league’s elite goaltenders. This season, he’s posted a goals-against average hovering around 2.59, a rock-solid number that’s helped keep Dallas firmly in the playoff mix in both the Central Division and the broader Western Conference picture.
That kind of consistency in net is exactly what Team USA needs as they begin their Olympic campaign. Their group stage opens with a matchup against Latvia on Thursday, followed by games against Denmark and Germany. These early contests will be crucial not just for seeding, but for setting the tone-and having a goalie like Oettinger anchoring the back end gives the Americans a major edge.
Of course, Oettinger isn’t the only reason Team USA is considered one of the top contenders in Milan-Cortina. This roster is loaded.
Auston Matthews brings elite scoring touch and two-way play. Jack Hughes is one of the most dynamic young talents in the game.
And J.T. Miller adds grit, leadership, and offensive punch.
Together, they form a core that’s as dangerous as any in the tournament.
Right now, the Americans sit with the second-best odds to bring home gold, trailing only Canada. That’s not surprising-Canada’s depth is always daunting-but this U.S. squad has the firepower, the structure, and now, with Oettinger between the pipes, the goaltending to make a serious run.
The road to Olympic gold is never easy. But with a deep roster, a proven netminder, and a little extra flair courtesy of The Freedom Ripper, Team USA is skating into Milan with confidence-and a real shot to bring the gold back home.