Flyers Representing in Milan: Sanheim, Ristolainen, and Vladar Making Their Mark at the Olympics
As the 2026 Winter Olympics roll on in Milan, the Philadelphia Flyers have three players suiting up on the international stage-and each is carving out a role as the tournament heats up. Defensemen Travis Sanheim (Canada), Rasmus Ristolainen (Finland), and goaltender Dan Vladar (Czechia) are all seeing their responsibilities grow as group play wraps up and the single-elimination rounds loom.
Let’s break down how each of them is faring and what it means for their respective national teams.
The Olympic Format, in Brief
Before we dive into player breakdowns, here’s a quick refresher on how men’s hockey works at the Olympics: The group stage determines which four teams get a direct pass to the quarterfinals-those being the three group winners and the top second-place team.
But no one goes home after group play. Every team advances to the knockout round, with seeding based on group-stage performance.
As of Sunday morning, the picture is starting to come into focus:
- Group A: Canada has clinched the top spot after Czechia pushed Switzerland to overtime but fell short. Canada still faces France, but the result won’t change the standings-though a win could help their seeding.
- Group B: Slovakia has claimed the group, while Finland’s dominant win over Italy on Saturday likely locks them in as the top second-place finisher.
- Group C: Still wide open. Latvia’s upset over Germany on Saturday could shake things up, and if Germany beats the U.S. in regulation on Sunday, the top of the group could get messy.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Flyers in the mix.
Dan Vladar: Finding His Groove in Net for Czechia
Czechia’s goaltending rotation has come into focus after three games, and Dan Vladar is right in the thick of it. The Czech team opened with Lukas Dostal in net, with Vladar backing him up.
Vladar got the nod in Game 2, while Karel Vejmelka moved into the backup role. In the final group game, Dostal returned to the crease, with Vladar once again serving as the No.
- At this point, it looks like Vejmelka is the odd man out in the rotation.
Vladar made the most of his lone start, helping Czechia earn its only win of group play-a victory over France. It wasn’t a flawless outing.
After a quiet first period, Vladar was caught off guard by a sudden surge of French pressure early in the second. He allowed three goals on three consecutive shots, a stretch that could’ve derailed the game.
But to his credit, Vladar regrouped and settled in, helping Czechia hold on for the win. It was a gutsy performance that likely solidified his spot as a trusted option moving forward.
Rasmus Ristolainen: Rock-Solid for Finland
Ristolainen has been a steady presence on Finland’s blue line, and his numbers back it up. Through group play, Finland posted a 2-0-1-0 record, and Ristolainen currently leads the entire tournament in plus-minus at +8.
That’s not a typo-+8. Only Connor McDavid is within striking distance at +5.
Yes, Ristolainen’s stat line got a major boost during Finland’s rout of Italy, where he posted a +5 in a single game. But this isn’t just about one lopsided score.
He’s been consistently reliable, logging key minutes and playing a shutdown role that’s allowed Finland to control the pace of games. As the tournament shifts to elimination play, Ristolainen’s physicality and experience could be a major asset for a Finnish team that looks poised to make a deep run.
Travis Sanheim: Opportunity Knocks for Team Canada
Sanheim didn’t start the tournament in Canada’s lineup, but an injury to Josh Morrissey opened the door-and Sanheim stepped through. He made his Olympic debut on Friday as Canada’s seventh defenseman, logging just over 10 minutes of ice time. It wasn’t a huge role, but it was a foot in the door.
Now, that role is expanding. On Sunday against France, Sanheim is skating on Canada’s third defensive pair alongside veteran Drew Doughty.
That’s a significant bump, and it suggests the coaching staff sees value in what Sanheim brings to the table. His smooth skating and ability to move the puck could be a key ingredient as Canada looks to tighten things up heading into the knockout rounds.
What’s Next
With group play wrapping up, the Olympic men’s hockey tournament is about to shift into high gear. The Flyers’ trio-Vladar, Ristolainen, and Sanheim-have all put themselves in position to be difference-makers for their countries.
Vladar showed he can win under pressure. Ristolainen is anchoring a defense that’s been among the tournament’s best.
And Sanheim? He’s getting his shot with one of the most talent-rich teams in the world.
As the stakes rise, so does the spotlight. And right now, all three are earning it.