Minnesota Schools Send 21 Hockey Players to 2026 Olympics

When the puck drops at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics this week, Minnesota will be representing hard on the ice.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Duluth campuses are sending a combined 21 hockey players to compete for seven different countries. The Golden Gophers alone lead all NCAA schools with seven athletes on Team USA's roster.

All seven happen to be hockey players, which makes perfect sense for the self-proclaimed State of Hockey. But the maroon and gold pride extends far beyond American borders.

On the women's side, five Golden Gophers will suit up for Team USA, including Lee Stecklein heading to her fourth Olympics. Kelly Pannek, Grace Zumwinkle, and Taylor Heise all play professionally for the Minnesota Frost and will join current senior Abbey Murphy on the ice.

Four more Gophers chose different jerseys. Nelli Laitinen represents Finland, while Tereza Plosová and Natálie Mlýnková skate for Czechia, and Josefin Bouveng plays for Sweden.

The Bulldogs match that international spirit with players competing for Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Czechia, and Slovakia. Four Swedish athletes include goaltenders Tindra Holm and All-American Emma Soderberg, while decorated defenseman Jocelyne Larocque appears in her fourth Olympics for Team Canada.

The men's competition features three Gopher alumni. NHL defensemen Brock Faber and Jackson LaCombe represent Team USA, while Erik Haula suits up for Finland.

Why This Inspires

These athletes prove that excellence grows where it's cultivated. The University of Minnesota system has built something special, creating programs that don't just win championships but develop world-class talent that competes on the biggest stages.

These 21 athletes started as college students balancing classes and practice. Now they're representing nations and inspiring the next generation of Minnesota kids lacing up skates in frozen backyards and hometown rinks.

The women's tournament begins February 5, with men's action starting February 11. Fans everywhere will be watching, but in Minnesota, they'll be cheering extra loud for the maroon and gold making their mark in Italy.