Team Canada announced its 25-man roster Wednesday afternoon and provided some answers to questions that have surrounded the team for months.
The team included several expected attackers and defenders. The big questions lay in the goal. Would the questionable play of the expected starters be overlooked?
Related: Several Team Canada and USA selections seemingly out early
Hockey Canada formally turned its focus to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, announcing Doug Armstrong as executive director of the men’s national team. Armstrong was praised for his leadership at the recent Four Nations and for guiding the program back to the Olympics. Officials highlighted the depth, competitiveness and commitment of the Canadian player pool, while Armstrong thanked Hockey Canada’s board, staff and families for their support as preparations continue toward February in Italy.
When asked about the arena itself, they take steps to ensure there are backup plans in place should the need arise. They fully expect the arena to be built and ready.
The official Team Canada roster
Jordan Binnington ensured that the team scored, as did Darcy Keumper. Logan Thompson was the final selection in net.
On defense, the team went with Drew Doughty, Thomas Harley, Cale Makar, Josh Morrisey, Colton Parayko, Travis Sanheim, Shea Theodore and Devon Toews.
Forwards: Macklin Celebrini, Anthony Cirelli, Sidney Crosby, Bradon Hagel, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Mitch Marner, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point, Sam Reinhart, Mark Stone, Nick Suzuki and Tom Wilson.
When asked, Armstrong said Celebrini had already played for Team Canada in early December. Some selections have come down to picking the best team, and in many cases they have focused on specific areas such as penalty killing.
Armstrong said players who qualify as injury replacements will have the choice to remain in the testing program. If they want to be added, they should continue to do so. He noted that no players played outside the team, but the group had to limit the number to 25.
When it came to goaltending, Armstrong said there were several players on their consideration list. But that group was large. “We believe that the three that we mentioned during that right, and we told the others to stay prepared, and you never know what happens with injuries…” He added: “It’s going to be a tough decision if one guy goes down because there’s a couple of guys that are playing really good hockey right now.”
When asked about Matthew Schaefer, Armstrong said the rookie wasn’t on his radar early but worked his way into the conversation all season. “I was shocked at how quickly he jumped into our conversations.”
Removed from the Four Nations team for the 2026 Olympic squad: Sam Bennett, Travis Konecny, Seth Jarvis, Adin Hill and Samuel Montembeault.
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