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Olympics

CAROLYN KASTER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Team USA forward Brock Nelson scored two goals Thursday against Latvia in his Olympic debut. Nelson’s family has a storied past of men’s hockey Olympic glory. The forward almost followed in the footsteps of his 1.0 Winnipeg Jet uncle Dave Christian, but opted to sign with the Colorado Avalanche last NHL season.

Nelson following in family’s decorated Team USA footsteps

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

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MILAN — Hindsight, of course, is 20/20. But when it comes to professional sports, it’s always fun to play the what-if game.

For example, what if the Winnipeg Jets had opted to select hometown product Seth Jarvis — who made his Winter Olympics debut Friday night against Switzerland — with the 10th overall pick in 2020?

Winnipeg instead took Cole Perfetti at that spot, and Jarvis had to wait two more turns before the Carolina Hurricanes called his name. Perfetti has shown plenty of promise, but he’s not at the level of Jarvis, who brings both a big game and a huge personality to the table.

Well, here’s another what-if scenario that dawned Thursday night while watching Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor and Team USA skate to a 5-1 victory over Latvia.

JULIEN DE ROSA / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Players scuffle during a preliminary round match of men’s hockey between the United States and Denmark at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy on Saturday.
JULIEN DE ROSA / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Players scuffle during a preliminary round match of men’s hockey between the United States and Denmark at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy on Saturday.

Americans dominate Denmark despite shaky goaltending

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Americans dominate Denmark despite shaky goaltending

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Connor Hellebuyck’s stock soared despite spending all of Saturday night on the sidelines. Kyle Connor’s plummeted to the point where he may be skating himself out of the lineup.

And former Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers was simply happy to see some old friends — sort of— while living out a lifelong dream by leading Denmark into battle at the Winter Olympics.

“I just wish Bucky was playing,” a smiling Ehlers told the Free Press following his country’s 6-3 loss to the United States.

“It’s always fun to play against former teammates and current teammates. There’s no friends out there but you obviously want them to do well at these kind of tournaments. Not against your team, obviously. But it’s always good to see them.”

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Carolyn Kaster / The Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets’ goalie Connor Hellebuyck, right, has laid claim on the No. 1 job with the United States Olympic team following a pair of solid starts, the most recent coming Sunday night in a 5-1 victory over Germany.
Carolyn Kaster / The Associated Press Winnipeg Jets’ goalie Connor Hellebuyck, right, has laid claim on the No. 1 job with the United States Olympic team following a pair of solid starts, the most recent coming Sunday night in a 5-1 victory over Germany.

Winnipeg Jets’ U.S. teammates having drastically different Oly experiences

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Jets’ U.S. teammates having drastically different Oly experiences

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN - In Connor Hellebuyck they trust. Kyle Connor? Not so much.

It’s safe to say these Winter Olympics have taken drastically different turns for a pair of Winnipeg Jets.

Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, has stamped his claim on the No. 1 job with the United States team following a pair of solid starts, the most recent coming Sunday night in a 5-1 victory over Germany that secured top spot in the Americans’ group.

“I just think he was tracking pucks extremely well. He was composed,” said American coach Mike Sullivan.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MIKE MCINTYRE / FREE PRESS

From left, Bryan Hanna, Noah Wagner, Lucas Humble, Sloan Tremblay, Lucas Fry and Seth Jarvis, with Matt McLeod in front. The friends travelled to Italy to see Jarvis compete in the Olympics.
MIKE MCINTYRE / FREE PRESS From left, Bryan Hanna, Noah Wagner, Lucas Humble, Sloan Tremblay, Lucas Fry and Seth Jarvis, with Matt McLeod in front. The friends travelled to Italy to see Jarvis compete in the Olympics.

‘You’re cheering for your best friend’: Winnipeggers travel to see Seth Jarvis chase Olympic hockey gold

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

‘You’re cheering for your best friend’: Winnipeggers travel to see Seth Jarvis chase Olympic hockey gold

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Six best buddies. A hockey road trip of a lifetime. And a front-row seat to watch one of their own live out a dream that once belonged to all of them.

These Winnipeg boys have come a long way — figuratively and literally — from the days of epic mini-sticks battles in childhood basements.

Now, the stage is the biggest in sport: an Olympic hockey rink in Milan, where Seth Jarvis is chasing gold and Lucas Humble, Lucas Fry, Sloan Tremblay, Bryan Hanna, Matt McLeod and Noah Wagner have travelled more than 7,000 kilometres to cheer him on.

“It’s hard not to get emotional about,” Hanna said on Monday as the group, including Jarvis, met with the Free Press outside the stunning Duomo di Milano.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin (29) celebrates with Sophie Jaques (2) and Renata Fast (14) after Poulin scored a goal against Switzerland during the second period of a women’s ice hockey semifinal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Carolyn Kaster / The Associated Press)
Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin (29) celebrates with Sophie Jaques (2) and Renata Fast (14) after Poulin scored a goal against Switzerland during the second period of a women’s ice hockey semifinal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Carolyn Kaster / The Associated Press)

Poulin leads Canada over Swiss

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Poulin leads Canada over Swiss

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Marie-Philip Poulin simply can’t be stopped. And now, one of the most decorated players in women’s hockey history stands alone as the greatest scorer in Olympic history.

The player known as “Captain Clutch” was certainly that on Monday night for Canada, scoring twice in rapid succession to wake up her sleepy squad and lead them to a 2-1 semifinal victory over a stubborn, stingy Switzerland squad.

“It’s probably the best part of my entire coaching career is to have a front-row seat to some of the magic that she’s been able to provide for the team and our country and sport in general,” said head coach Troy Ryan.

“Nothing surprises me anymore. We have a bit of a flat start, we have a conversation in between periods, and of course it’s going to be Poulin that takes the lead in those situations. There really are no words to describe what she means to our program and what she means to hockey in general.”

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Mike Segar / REUTERS

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey (centre) is likely to return Wednesday in Team Canada’s quarterfinal clash against the Czechs. From left: Winnipeg’s Seth Jarvis, Calgary’s Morrissey and Brandon Hagel of Saskatoon, Sask., look on at Canada’s first Olympic practice Feb. 8.
Mike Segar / REUTERS Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey (centre) is likely to return Wednesday in Team Canada’s quarterfinal clash against the Czechs. From left: Winnipeg’s Seth Jarvis, Calgary’s Morrissey and Brandon Hagel of Saskatoon, Sask., look on at Canada’s first Olympic practice Feb. 8.

Morrissey, Marchand poised to return from injury for Team Canada

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Morrissey, Marchand poised to return from injury for Team Canada

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Josh Morrissey is raring to go. Which is perfectly understandable given the way recent international hockey events have played out for the Winnipeg Jets defenceman.

There was the severe stomach virus that sidelined him last February for the gold medal final of the 4 Nations Face-Off. And now, a lower-body injury suffered in his Winter Olympics debut last week which has kept him out of Canada’s last two games.

If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all.

But hope springs eternal, and there was Morrissey flying around the ice on Tuesday afternoon as he practiced with his No. 1 ranked teammates ahead of Wednesday’s win-or-go-home quarterfinal game against No. 8 Czechia — which downed Denmark 3-2 in a qualifying round elimination game.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Carolyn Kaster / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Canada’s Mitch Marner and Macklin Celebrini celebrate after Marner scored the game-winning goal against Czechia, Wednesday.
Carolyn Kaster / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Canada’s Mitch Marner and Macklin Celebrini celebrate after Marner scored the game-winning goal against Czechia, Wednesday.

Canada punches ticket to semifinals in thriller over Czechia

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Canada punches ticket to semifinals in thriller over Czechia

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — A hockey-crazed nation exhales.

The star-studded Canadian men’s team stood on the brink of a stunning Olympic quarterfinal exit Wednesday — only to engineer a dramatic, Games-saving rally that guarantees a shot at a medal.

Put down the pitchforks. Call off the national summit. Take a deep breath.

“Massive relief. Extreme excitement,” said forward Brad Marchand, who may as well have been speaking for more than 41 million citizens back home.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Despite not knowing if Sidney Crosby or Josh Morrissey will return for the semifinal clash against Finland on Friday, Canada still boasts elite weapons like Connor McDavid (left) whose 11 points have tied the record for an NHLer at a single Olympics.
Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS Despite not knowing if Sidney Crosby or Josh Morrissey will return for the semifinal clash against Finland on Friday, Canada still boasts elite weapons like Connor McDavid (left) whose 11 points have tied the record for an NHLer at a single Olympics.

Finland stands in the way of a Canadian gold medal tilt

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Finland stands in the way of a Canadian gold medal tilt

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Are we having fun yet?

Having survived a serious quarterfinal scare against Czechia, the Canadian men’s team now turns its attention to a feisty Finnish squad on Friday (9:40 a.m. CT puck drop), with a berth in the Olympic gold-medal game on the line.

Once again, a hockey-crazed nation is holding its collective breath. Hey, nobody said this was going to be easy, right?

The status of two key players — captain Sidney Crosby and Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey — remains uncertain. Getting one, or both, back in the lineup would certainly help the cause.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

HASSAN AMMAR / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Elkhorn’s Travis Sanheim (right) teed up Shea Theodore’s game-tying goal Friday against Finland.
HASSAN AMMAR / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Elkhorn’s Travis Sanheim (right) teed up Shea Theodore’s game-tying goal Friday against Finland.

Marvellous Manitobans clutch for Team Canada

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Marvellous Manitobans clutch for Team Canada

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Two straight elimination games. Two dramatic third-period tying goals. Two Manitobans playing pivotal roles with key assists.

Coincidence? We think not.

On Wednesday night against Czechia, it was Winnipegger Seth Jarvis who got in hard on the forecheck and helped set up Nick Suzuki for his massive goal with 3:27 left in regulation — a tally that forced overtime, where Mitch Marner scored the winner.

On Friday afternoon against Finland, it was Elkhorn’s Travis Sanheim threading a slick pass to blue-line partner Shea Theodore, whose blast from the point with 9:26 remaining set the stage for Nathan MacKinnon’s dramatic dagger in the final minute.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Supplied
Supplied

Red, white… and boos

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Red, white… and boos

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — It was a scene that could have quickly turned ugly.

A handful of young men, clad in red, white and blue jerseys and likely a tad over-served, were revelling in their men’s hockey team’s 5–1 group-play win over Latvia. Aboard a crowded shuttle bus departing the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, they wanted everyone to know it.

“USA! USA! That was a Latvian beatdown!” they took turns shouting. “A BEATDOWN! USA! USA!”

Dozens of fans in Latvian jerseys — some smiling politely, others scowling — remained silent. Biting their tongues, perhaps.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

FRED GREENSLADE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey has been ruled out for Sunday’s gold medal clash between Canada and the United States.
FRED GREENSLADE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey has been ruled out for Sunday’s gold medal clash between Canada and the United States.

Morrissey ruled out for gold medal game

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Morrissey ruled out for gold medal game

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — Josh Morrissey’s Winter Olympics are over.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman has been ruled out for Sunday’s gold medal clash between Canada and the United States due to a mysterious upper-body injury he suffered early in his team’s first game.

“Listen, we want Josh in this game and helps us. Puck mover, everything he does,” coach Jon Cooper said following Saturday’s practice in Milan, which was closed to the media ahead of the pivotal showdown.

“In the end if you’re not physically able to do it — and the one selfless thing about this team and the way I’ve watched these players … when it comes to the flag, nobody’s getting in the way. If they’re not capable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don’t want to put the country at harm. They understand what we have here.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MATT SLOCUM / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Canada’s Jonathan Toews (16) reacts after scoring a goal in the first period of the men’s gold medal ice hockey game against USA at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

MATT SLOCUM / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Canada’s Jonathan Toews (16) reacts after scoring a goal in the first period of the men’s gold medal ice hockey game against USA at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

‘This is the big one,’ says Toews

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

‘This is the big one,’ says Toews

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Jonathan Toews said what most hockey observers – at least those in North America – have both been thinking and saying out loud at various points during the past several weeks.

“It’s the final that I wanted, and people in North America wanted,” said Toews, the Winnipeg Jets centre who has some first-hand knowledge of what is on the horizon on Sunday morning when Canada takes on the United States in the gold medal game of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament. “It’s great for our game. The game of hockey has grown so much. And I know the final in 2010 Vancouver was great for the game as well.”

After the Jets completed their on-ice session on Saturday, Toews fielded questions about the high-profile Olympic tournament that has lived up to the hype so far and also shared some insight on what it’s like to appear in a game of this magnitude, given his international experiences.

“It’s funny to be on the other side of it now, and just see how everyone’s holding their breath,(when) we were down 2-0 against the Finns. And you feel how important this is to everyone across Canada in games like that,” said Toews. “So obviously, this is the big one. There’s some great teams in the tournament, so it hasn’t been an easy road for Canada. So I’ll definitely be cheering for them.”

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

United States’ Jack Hughes (86) scores during a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Hassan Ammar / The Associated Press)
United States’ Jack Hughes (86) scores during a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Hassan Ammar / The Associated Press)

Olympic hockey showed us what’s possible

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Olympic hockey showed us what’s possible

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — The United States grabbed gold, Canada settled for silver, and Finland skated away with bronze. But the real winner of the NHL’s long-awaited and much-anticipated return to the Winter Olympics? That would be the sport itself.

Jon Cooper called it “hockey on steroids,” and there’s no question that what we witnessed here in Milan was a smashing success.

The rosters were stacked. The competition fierce. The atmosphere electric. The elimination games intense. And it all culminated in hockey’s two fiercest rivals meeting in one of the most highly anticipated games of this generation— an instant classic that had bars opening as early as 5 a.m. and might just set some viewership records.

“This has been the greatest two weeks of my life,” U.S. defenceman Charlie McAvoy said following his team’s dramatic 2-1 overtime victory to reach the top of the podium. “I can’t believe the storybook ending here.”

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS

From left: speedskaters Isabelle Weidemann, Ivanie Blondin and Valérie Maltais. The trio repeated as back-to-back Olympic gold medallists in the women’s team pursuit.
NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS From left: speedskaters Isabelle Weidemann, Ivanie Blondin and Valérie Maltais. The trio repeated as back-to-back Olympic gold medallists in the women’s team pursuit.

Canada needs to harness momentum for next Olympic push

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Canada needs to harness momentum for next Olympic push

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

MILAN — The Games are over. Now let the debate back home begin.

As the curtain closed on the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, leaders of the Canadian Olympic Committee were sounding the alarm.

Yes, there were highlights and memorable moments over the past two-and-a-half weeks. But should 21 total medals — Canada’s lowest Winter Games haul since Salt Lake City 2002 and good for eighth overall — be cause for concern?

Those on the front lines believe the country’s high-performance sport system is under growing strain — and that what unfolded in Italy could be a troubling sign of things to come without a significant boost in federal funding.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Canada finds no solace in second place after 2-1 Olympic hockey loss to USA

Canada finds no solace in second place after 2-1 Olympic hockey loss to USA

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Canada finds no solace in second place after 2-1 Olympic hockey loss to USA

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

MILAN — There were no silver linings for Canada. No solace in second place. No comfort or salvation in what coulda, shoulda been.

Sure, you could argue they deserved a better fate, given how much they controlled play for large stretches of Sunday’s gold-medal clash against the United States. But hockey can be cruel that way.

The final scoreboard — United States 2, Canada 1 — is ultimately all that mattered.

As players quietly shuffled through the mixed zone Sunday evening, solemn and stunned, heads down, barely noticing the silver medals hanging around their necks or the small plush Olympic souvenir mascots they’d been handed moments earlier, the sense of heartbreak was palpable.

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Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

United States’ Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a stick save against Canada during the third period of Sunday’s game. (Petr David Josek / The Associated Press)
United States’ Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a stick save against Canada during the third period of Sunday’s game. (Petr David Josek / The Associated Press)

‘I felt I was doing everything right’: Hellebuyck leads USA to gold

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

‘I felt I was doing everything right’: Hellebuyck leads USA to gold

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

MILAN — On the biggest stage, under the brightest lights, with the weight of an entire nation on his back, Connor Hellebuyck proved he can elevate his game to the highest level — and deliver when it matters most.

The Winnipeg Jets netminder backstopped the United States to Olympic gold Sunday afternoon, stopping 41 of 42 shots in an instant classic that ended with a 2-1 overtime victory to close out the Milano Cortina Games.

“Oh my gosh, they’re going to be talking about this performance for generations,” said U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk.

“It was an all-time performance from a superstar at his position. It’s gonna go down as one of the best performances of all time — it has to.”

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Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

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