The Philadelphia Flyers are making their presence felt on the global stage, sending a strong contingent to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. With NHL players returning to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014, this tournament carries extra weight - and the Flyers are right in the thick of it.
Four Flyers players and their head coach are representing their countries in the men’s ice hockey tournament, which runs from February 11 through February 22. It’s a proud moment for the organization, and a testament to the international talent spread across their roster.
Travis Sanheim (Team Canada)
Sanheim will be suiting up for Team Canada, bringing his steady presence on the blue line to a squad with gold-medal expectations.
Known for his two-way play and poise under pressure, Sanheim is ready to do whatever’s asked of him. “I don’t think it’ll be too much.
Not too concerned. It’s like any other sheet, in different buildings, throughout the league,” he said, downplaying any concerns about the larger Olympic ice surface.
That calm, adaptable mindset is exactly what Canada needs from its defensive corps.
Rasmus Ristolainen (Team Finland)
Ristolainen, meanwhile, is set to patrol the back end for Team Finland.
The physical defenseman isn’t getting caught up in the moment just yet. “I haven’t even thought about it too much, big game tonight, and worry about that tomorrow,” he said ahead of the Flyers’ last game before the Olympic break.
It’s classic Risto - focused on the task at hand, but make no mistake, he’ll be a key piece for Finland once the puck drops in Italy.
Dan Vladar (Team Czechia)
Between the pipes, Dan Vladar has earned a spot as one of three goaltenders for Team Czechia.
The 6’5” netminder has shown flashes of brilliance in Philadelphia, and now he gets the chance to represent his home country on the sport’s biggest stage. For a Czech squad looking to make a deep run, Vladar’s size and athleticism could be a major asset.
Rodrigo Ābols (Team Latvia)
Forward Rodrigo Ābols was also named to Latvia’s Olympic roster, but unfortunately, he won’t be participating due to injury. It’s a tough break for both Ābols and Latvia, as the versatile forward has been a valuable depth piece this season.
Rick Tocchet (Team Canada Assistant Coach)
And it’s not just the players getting the Olympic nod - Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet will serve as an assistant coach for Team Canada.
His experience behind the bench and understanding of high-pressure hockey will be a major plus for a Canadian team loaded with talent. Tocchet joined Sanheim, Ristolainen, and Vladar at a press conference on February 5, where the group shared their excitement about the upcoming journey.
Departures are expected around February 7, giving players just enough time to settle in before the tournament begins.
The Flyers honored their Olympians before their final game ahead of the break - a fitting send-off for a group that’s earned this spotlight. With players representing Canada, Finland, Czechia, and Latvia, Philadelphia’s locker room is about to become a global showcase.
The Olympic tournament is officially underway, and for Flyers fans, there’s plenty to cheer for beyond the NHL schedule. Whether it’s Sanheim anchoring Canada’s defense, Ristolainen bringing the grit for Finland, or Vladar standing tall in goal for Czechia, the Orange and Black are well-represented.