The Olympic torch is burning bright in Milan, and while the Winter Games have been underway for nearly a week, the men’s hockey tournament is just about to drop the puck. Starting Wednesday, the chase for gold officially begins - and it’s going to be a sprint. With just three preliminary games per nation before the knockout rounds, every shift, every save, every goal matters.
For Flyers fans, there’s plenty of reason to tune in beyond national pride. Three current Philadelphia Flyers players - and one familiar face behind the bench - will be representing their countries on hockey’s biggest international stage. Here’s a breakdown of who’s playing, when to watch, and what to expect as Olympic men’s hockey gets rolling.
Travis Sanheim | Team Canada
Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim is back in the red and white for Team Canada, building on his international résumé after skating in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. This time, he’s expected to slot into the lineup right out of the gate, paired with Vegas Golden Knights blueliner Shea Theodore - a smooth-skating, offensively gifted partner who should complement Sanheim’s two-way game nicely.
Also joining the Canadian bench is Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, who’s serving as an assistant under head coach Jon Cooper. Tocchet’s presence adds another layer of familiarity for Sanheim, and his experience could be a valuable asset in a short, high-pressure tournament like this.
Team Canada Schedule:
- Thursday, Feb. 12 vs.
Czechia - 10:40 AM
- Friday, Feb. 13 vs.
Switzerland - 3:10 PM
- Sunday, Feb. 15 vs.
France - 10:40 AM
Dan Vladar | Team Czechia
Dan Vladar’s Olympic journey is one of the more compelling stories heading into the tournament. Not long ago, he wasn’t even in the conversation for Czechia’s roster.
Fast forward to now, and he’s not just on the team - he’s the starter. After a standout season in net for the Flyers, Vladar has leapfrogged both Lukas Dostal and Karel Vejmelka to claim the No. 1 job.
It’s a huge opportunity for Vladar, and he’ll be tested early - his first Olympic start comes against powerhouse Canada. But if his NHL play this season is any indication, he’s more than ready to meet the moment.
Team Czechia Schedule:
- Thursday, Feb. 12 vs.
Canada - 10:40 AM
- Friday, Feb. 13 vs.
France - 10:40 AM
- Sunday, Feb. 15 vs.
Switzerland - 6:10 AM
Rasmus Ristolainen | Team Finland
When it comes to international experience, few on the Flyers roster have logged more than Rasmus Ristolainen. The veteran defenseman is once again suiting up for Team Finland, where he’s expected to anchor a top defensive pairing.
Finland has long been known for its structured, disciplined style of play - a system that fits Ristolainen’s physical, stay-at-home game to a tee. He’ll be leaned on heavily to provide stability on the back end as Finland looks to navigate a tough preliminary group.
Team Finland Schedule:
- Wednesday, Feb. 11 vs.
Slovakia - 10:40 AM
- Friday, Feb. 13 vs.
Sweden - 6:10 AM
- Saturday, Feb. 14 vs.
Italy - 10:40 AM
Team USA | Star-Studded and Ready
Team USA enters the tournament with one of the most talented rosters they’ve ever assembled. This group is loaded with NHL firepower - Auston Matthews, the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew and Brady), and the Hughes brothers (Jack and Quinn) headline a team that can score in bunches and move the puck with pace.
But it’s not just about offense. Between the pipes, the Americans boast arguably the deepest goaltending trio in the tournament: reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, plus Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger. That kind of depth gives the U.S. a real shot at gold, especially in a short-format tournament where hot goaltending can carry a team all the way.
Team USA Schedule:
- Thursday, Feb. 12 vs.
Latvia - 3:10 PM
- Saturday, Feb. 14 vs.
Denmark - 3:10 PM
- Sunday, Feb. 15 vs.
Germany - 3:10 PM
What’s Next: The Road to Gold
Once the preliminary round wraps up, the tournament shifts into elimination mode - and fast. The Qualification Playoff is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17, followed by the Quarterfinals on **Wednesday, Feb.
18**. From there, the stakes only get higher.
- Semifinals: Friday, Feb. 20
- Bronze Medal Game: Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:10 PM
- Gold Medal Game: Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8:10 AM
With a condensed schedule and elite talent spread across several nations, the men’s hockey tournament promises to deliver drama from the opening faceoff to the final horn. Whether you’re rooting for Team USA, keeping an eye on Flyers players representing their countries, or just soaking in the Olympic spectacle, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.
Buckle up - the race for Olympic hockey gold is about to begin.