The Olympic flame is about to light up the ice in Milano Cortina, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are sending a full squad - well, almost - to the men’s hockey tournament. When the puck drops in just two days, nine members of the Lightning organization, including eight players and their head coach, will be suiting up for their respective countries. For most of them, this will be their first crack at representing their nation on the Olympic stage - a dream moment for any hockey player, no matter how many NHL games they've logged.
Originally, ten Lightning players were named to Olympic rosters, but injuries have taken two out of the mix. Still, the presence of nine members from one NHL organization is a testament to the depth and international talent Tampa Bay has cultivated.
Let’s break down who’s heading to Italy and what to watch for.
First-Time Olympians: A New Chapter on the International Stage
For five Lightning players, this marks their Olympic debut - and it’s a big deal.
- Wojciech Stachowiak will represent Team Germany. The left winger has been quietly building his reputation, and now he’ll get a chance to showcase his game on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
- Brandon Hagel, a key piece of Tampa’s forward group, will don the red and white for Team Canada. Known for his high motor and two-way play, Hagel’s game should translate well to the international ice.
- Erik Cernak, the rugged blue-liner, will anchor the back end for Team Slovakia. His physical style and shutdown ability will be crucial as Slovakia tries to make a deep run.
- Jake Guentzel, representing Team USA, brings scoring punch and playoff experience. He’s been a consistent offensive threat in the NHL, and his ability to finish around the net could be a difference-maker in tight Olympic games.
- J.J. Moser rounds out the group of first-timers, suiting up for Team Switzerland.
The defenseman has been a steady presence on the blue line and will look to bring that same consistency to the Swiss squad.
Olympic Returnees: Familiar Faces, New Opportunities
While most of Tampa’s Olympic contingent are newcomers, a few are getting another shot - or finally getting to play after previous selections didn’t pan out.
- Oliver Bjorkstrand (Team Denmark) was selected for the 2022 Olympics but didn’t get to play after the NHL opted out of sending players to Beijing. This time, he’s in - and Denmark will be leaning on his offensive instincts and experience.
- Pontus Holmberg (Team Sweden) is back for his second Olympic appearance. He played in six games during the 2022 tournament, tallying two assists.
Expect him to take on a bigger role this time around as Sweden chases a medal.
- Victor Hedman, the veteran defenseman and former Norris Trophy winner, finally gets his Olympic moment.
He was named to Team Sweden in both 2014 and 2022, but NHL player withdrawals kept him off the ice. Now, in his third selection, he’ll finally suit up.
Hedman’s vision, poise, and leadership will be invaluable for a Swedish team with serious podium aspirations.
Behind the Bench: Jon Cooper Takes the Helm for Team Canada
It’s not just players making the trip. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper will be behind the bench for Team Canada, leading a roster loaded with NHL talent.
Cooper was expected to be joined by two of his own - Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli - but injuries have sidelined both. Still, Cooper’s presence gives Canada a proven winner with a Stanley Cup pedigree, and his familiarity with high-pressure games could be a major asset in a tournament where one bad period can end your medal hopes.
Game On: Preliminary Rounds Begin
Men’s ice hockey officially begins Wednesday with preliminary round action. Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, and Italy are the first to hit the ice, with Cernak (Slovakia) and Holmberg (Sweden) both set to play in those opening matchups.
The rest of the Lightning crew will join the fray on Thursday when the remaining teams begin their Olympic campaigns. That includes Hagel (Canada), Guentzel (USA), Stachowiak (Germany), Moser (Switzerland), Bjorkstrand (Denmark), and Hedman (Sweden).
Medal Hopes: Lightning Players in the Hunt
The early buzz around the tournament has Team USA and Team Canada pegged as the frontrunners, thanks to their NHL-heavy rosters. But don’t count out Sweden, Finland, or Czechia - all of whom have the depth and goaltending to make serious noise. The Lightning have players on all of those top-tier teams except Finland and Czechia, meaning there’s a real chance that multiple Tampa Bay players could be skating away with medals when it’s all said and done.
As the Olympic tournament gets underway, keep an eye on how these Lightning players perform under the spotlight. For some, it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream.
For others, it’s a long-awaited opportunity. And for all of them, it’s a chance to bring a little Olympic glory back to Tampa Bay.