As the NHL takes its Olympic break, the Los Angeles Kings will be well-represented on the international stage. Five players from LA’s roster are heading to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, each donning their national colors in a tournament that promises high-level intensity and no shortage of storylines.
For Kings fans, this is more than just a pause in the regular season - it’s a chance to see familiar faces compete on the world’s biggest stage in men’s hockey. And for the players, it’s an opportunity to chase Olympic glory, some for the first time in their careers.
The Kings Go Global
Let’s start with the names. Five Kings are suiting up for their respective countries:
- Joel Armia (Finland)
- Drew Doughty (Canada)
- Darcy Kuemper (Canada)
- Adrian Kempe (Sweden)
- Kevin Fiala (Switzerland)
Of the group, only Drew Doughty has previous Olympic experience. The veteran defenseman has long been a staple on Team Canada’s blue line and brings a steady, battle-tested presence to a roster that’s always loaded with star power. For the rest, Milan marks their Olympic debut - a milestone moment in any hockey career.
Olympic Schedule: When to Watch the Kings Abroad
Here’s a look at when each Kings player will hit the ice during the round robin portion of the tournament. All times are listed in Pacific Time, so set those alarms accordingly - Olympic hockey doesn’t wait for West Coast mornings.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Joel Armia: Finland vs. Slovakia - 7:40 a.m.
PT (USA, Peacock)
- Adrian Kempe: *Sweden vs.
Italy* - 12:10 p.m. PT (USA, Peacock)
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Kevin Fiala: Switzerland vs. France - 3:10 a.m.
PT (Peacock)
- Drew Doughty & Darcy Kuemper: *Canada vs.
Czechia* - 7:40 a.m. PT (USA, Peacock)
Friday, Feb. 13
- Armia & Kempe: Sweden vs. Finland - 3:10 a.m.
PT (USA, Peacock)
- Fiala, Doughty, Kuemper: *Switzerland vs.
Canada* - 12:10 p.m. PT (Peacock)
Saturday, Feb. 14
- Kempe: Sweden vs. Slovakia - 3:10 a.m.
PT (Peacock)
- Armia: *Finland vs.
Italy* - 7:40 a.m. PT (USA, Peacock)
Sunday, Feb. 15
- Fiala: Switzerland vs. Czechia - 3:10 a.m.
PT (CNBC, Peacock)
- Doughty & Kuemper: *Canada vs.
France* - 7:40 a.m. PT (USA, Peacock)
With matchups like Sweden vs. Finland and Switzerland vs. Canada, there’s plenty of intrigue - and plenty of Kings-on-Kings action - to keep an eye on.
What’s Next: The Knockout Stage
Once round robin play wraps up, the tournament shifts into elimination mode. The top four teams will earn byes straight into the quarterfinals, while the remaining eight will battle it out in the first round of the knockout stage.
That’s when things really heat up. One bad period can send you home.
One hot goalie can carry a team. And for the Kings’ representatives, it’s a chance to step up when the lights shine brightest.
Bottom line: Whether it’s Doughty anchoring Canada’s defense, Kuemper holding down the crease, or Fiala flashing his offensive creativity for Switzerland, Kings fans have plenty of reasons to tune in. These next few weeks in Milan aren’t just about medals - they’re about legacy, pride, and representing LA on the world stage.