For the first time in over a decade, the NHL is back on Olympic ice. The league’s return to the Winter Games marks a major moment for hockey fans worldwide, and the St.
Louis Blues are right in the thick of it, sending five players to represent four different nations. Jordan Binnington, Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, Pius Suter, and Dalibor Dvorsky will all suit up for their countries, bringing a bit of the Gateway City to the global stage.
Let’s take a closer look at how each of the Blues' Olympians fits into their respective national squads and what to expect as the tournament unfolds.
Jordan Binnington & Colton Parayko - Team Canada
Two of the Blues’ most seasoned veterans are back in red and white for Team Canada. Colton Parayko may not be lighting up the scoresheet this season, but his steady presence on the blue line continues to be his calling card. He’s a reliable, physical defender who can eat up minutes and match up against top lines-exactly the kind of player Canada leans on when the pressure ratchets up.
Then there’s Jordan Binnington. It’s been a rocky ride for the Blues’ netminder this season, and questions have swirled about whether he’ll get the starting nod.
With Logan Thompson also in the mix, the crease is still very much up for grabs. But don’t count Binnington out.
He’s no stranger to the big stage-he’s got a Stanley Cup ring and was a key part of Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off win last year. If he gets hot, he could be a difference-maker.
Team Canada finds itself in Group A, alongside Czechia, Switzerland, and France-a group with some sneaky talent that won’t be a cakewalk.
Canada’s Group A Schedule (Eastern Time):
- **Feb.
12 (Thurs)** - vs. Czechia, 10:40 AM
- Feb. 13 (Fri) - vs.
Switzerland, 3:10 PM
- **Feb.
15 (Sun)** - vs. France, 10:40 AM
Philip Broberg - Team Sweden
Philip Broberg brings his smooth skating and offensive instincts to a Swedish blue line that’s always known for its structure and mobility. The 24-year-old has quietly put together a solid campaign with 19 points in 56 games, and his ability to transition the puck out of the defensive zone could be a real asset for Sweden.
Broberg already has international gold on his résumé from the 2019 U18 World Championship, and this Olympic opportunity is a big step in his development. Sweden’s Group B is no cakewalk either, featuring Finland, Slovakia, and Italy.
Sweden’s Group B Schedule (Eastern Time):
- **Feb.
11 (Wed)** - vs. Italy, 3:10 PM
- Feb. 13 (Fri) - vs.
Finland, 6:10 AM
- **Feb.
14 (Sat)** - vs. Slovakia, 6:10 AM
Pius Suter - Team Switzerland
Injuries have limited Pius Suter’s first season in St. Louis, but the Swiss forward is healthy just in time to join his national team in Beijing. He’s only played 40 games this year, tallying seven goals, but his versatility and two-way game make him a valuable piece for Team Switzerland.
Switzerland is in Group A with Canada, Czechia, and France, and they’ll need Suter to play a key role if they’re going to make noise in the tournament. He’s no stranger to international play and could be a leader for a Swiss squad that always seems to punch above its weight.
Switzerland’s Group A Schedule (Eastern Time):
- **Feb.
12 (Thurs)** - vs. France, 6:10 AM
- Feb. 13 (Fri) - vs.
Canada, 3:10 PM
- **Feb.
15 (Sun)** - vs. Czechia, 6:10 AM
Dalibor Dvorsky - Team Slovakia
Dalibor Dvorsky is no stranger to wearing his country’s colors. This Olympic appearance marks his eighth time representing Slovakia in international competition. At just 21, he’s already a key figure for the national team, and his past performances-like his five-goal, 11-point outburst at the 2022 U18 Division Championship-show what he’s capable of when the lights are brightest.
Dvorsky has nine goals through 47 games this season and brings an offensive spark to a Slovak team looking to make a deep run. He’ll line up in Group B, facing off against Finland, Sweden, and Italy.
Slovakia’s Group B Schedule (Eastern Time):
- **Feb.
11 (Wed)** - vs. Finland, 10:40 AM
- Feb. 13 (Fri) - vs.
Italy, 6:10 AM
- **Feb.
14 (Sat)** - vs. Sweden, 6:10 AM
Playoff Picture & Medal Rounds
Once group play wraps up, the top team from each group and the best second-place finisher will earn direct spots in the quarterfinals. The rest of the field will battle it out in a qualification round, with four more teams advancing to the quarters.
From there, it’s win or go home.
- Quarterfinals Begin: Feb. 17
- Bronze Medal Game: Feb. 21 at 11:40 AM (ET)
- Gold Medal Game: Feb. 22 at 5:10 AM (ET)
How to Watch
All Olympic hockey action will be available on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. Just a heads-up-if you're streaming, you’ll need the premium plan to catch the games. The basic tier doesn’t include Olympic coverage.
As the puck drops in Beijing, keep an eye on the Blues' international contingent. Whether it's Binnington battling for the crease, Parayko locking down the defensive zone, or young guns like Broberg and Dvorsky making their Olympic mark, there’s plenty for St. Louis fans to cheer for on the world stage.