Team Canada announced its 25-man roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday.
It's the first time NHL players will participate in the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, Russia.
Here is what some of the players named to the roster, and some who weren't, had to say:
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
"I'm excited it's getting closer and obviously with the roster announcement today, it gets more real and you start to picture some of those faces that will be there with you on the team and playing together. I'm really excited."
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
“I actually had no clue if I was going to make it. And I worked my [rear end] off this summer, the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life, to obviously play well for the Kings, but especially to make this team. And then, obviously, a bump in the road, came through this season with a broken toe, and then I started getting worried about it again, because I felt I was performing well before that. And now I think I’m getting back to where I need to be to help them out.”
Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
"Representing my country at the Olympics is something I've dreamed about since I was a kid. Having that dream come true really is special and I can't wait to wear the maple leaf and compete alongside the best hockey players in the world."
Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens
"Being cut from the (4 Nations) team gave me a little motivation. I just wanted to play the best I could and help the Canadiens get into the playoffs. We did that last year. We had an amazing run, and we started this year off the same way. It's been such a fun year so far, and it's an amazing team to play for. I'm just trying to do my best every single night to help my team win and hopefully give a good impression to Hockey Canada. Luckily, thankfully, they saw that and named me to the team." – Courtesy RDS
Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche
"My wife's due in February (2nd). So that's something that is way more important to me than making an Olympic team, and being there for that is something that's on my mind more so than showing up for my country. And I'll be there when that time comes, but right now, I'm there for my wife. If my baby hasn't arrived, I'm staying here. That's 100 percent what I'll do. I'm not leaving until that baby's here and everybody's home safe. I think she's excited. I think excited for me to have this opportunity. It doesn't come every day, so she's excited for that. But I'll be there for that baby, for sure."
Bo Horvat, New York Islanders
“I wanted it bad. I wanted to represent our country. I wanted to wear the maple leaf. I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the Islanders win, but also to make their decision tough, to make my stamp on what I could bring to Hockey Canada. Thankfully it didn’t go unnoticed. It’s a pretty surreal moment right now.”
Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings
“Growing up playing on the outdoor pond or in the front road playing street hockey, like you’re always dreaming of playing for the Olympics. I think every kid in Canada wants to put on that maple leaf in that kind of setting, so it’s such an honor.”
Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning
"It gives me shivers. ... Being able to play for the flag is a dream come true. I never would have thought about it in a million years, and now, obviously, I get the opportunity. People believed in me to give me a chance to go try and win gold, play for the country, and to play for that flag on the front of the chest means the world to me."
Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
"This is a dream come true. I remember watching the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City and then 2006, 2010, and 2014, especially 2010. I was at the age where Sid (Crosby) and Jarome (Iginla) and (Drew) Doughty and all those guys were heroes of mine.
"That call this morning was very emotional. It's such a great opportunity and something that is a huge honor. There are so many great players from our country, and you are competing with them to make that team. It's pretty special and something I take with a lot of pride."
Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars
"I'm not sure I was expecting to make the team, honestly, after my start to the year. But it was a nice surprise, for sure. Love that the management there has faith in me to up my game and get it to the level that it needs to be for that tournament.
"I think the level of play at that tournament and the speed is hard, so much harder than the NHL."
Zach Hyman, Edmonton Oilers (did not make team)
"It's the classic, you hear at the World Juniors or at any tournament, you've picked the right team if you win. There are so many deserving players and I'm sure the brass was debating countless lineups, and they came to what they thought was best. I know as a Canadian I'll be cheering for that team. You're allowed to be disappointed but at the same time you'll be cheering for your country and rooting Connor (McDavid) on and hoping they bring home gold."
