Sunday, February 15, 2026-Team USA has officially named its starting goaltender for the men’s ice hockey opener at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina, selecting veteran netminder Connor Hellebuyck to face Latvia in the group stage. Hellebuyck, one of the top goalies in the world and a recent Vezina Trophy winner, earned the nod from head coach Mike Sullivan based on his experience and strong track record in big games. The choice reflects a strategic push to start the tournament with a steady presence between the pipes and set the tone for Team USA’s Olympic campaign.
The decision comes as part of a broader rotation plan, with Hellebuyck leading the way while fellow elite netminders Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger remain ready to step in as needed. Team USA opened its tournament with a convincing win over Latvia, and the goaltending structure has become a key talking point as the roster pursues gold. Coaches have stressed that performance and situational matchups will continue to shape playing time throughout the tournament.
In Game 2 of the preliminary round, the staff opted for Swayman in goal against Denmark, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and leverage depth in net as the Olympics unfold. This move highlights how Team USA is balancing veteran leadership with championship aspirations, keeping its options open while aiming to maintain momentum in a crowded and competitive international field.
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