As the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics approach, NHL players are set to make their return after a 12-year absence, with Ondrej Palat and Bo Horvat among the notable representatives. Horvat, a key player for the New York Islanders, was initially the only Islander selected when Team Canada’s roster was announced, but following Palat’s acquisition by the Islanders, Czechia will also be represented on the same squad. Both athletes are preparing to compete in Group A, where their national teams will face off in a highly anticipated opening game.
Profiles of Horvat and Palat Entering the Olympic Competition
Team Canada enters the tournament as the clear favorite to claim the gold, with Horvat expected to utilize his skills in a supportive role rather than as a primary scorer. Leading the Islanders with 23 goals this season, Horvat is projected to contribute heavily on the checking line and penalty kill, areas where he has consistently demonstrated strength throughout his career. Meanwhile, the Czech team, spearheaded by shooter David Pastrnak and goaltender Lukas Dostal, aims to contend strongly, potentially upsetting expectations and securing a medal in the knockout rounds.
Palat’s role extends beyond his on-ice capabilities, bringing valuable experience and veteran leadership to the Czech roster. Unlike many NHL players attending their first Olympics, Palat has Olympic experience from 2014 in Sochi, where the Czech squad finished third in their group and was eliminated by Sweden in the initial knockout round. During that tournament, Palat participated in all four games but did not record a point.
Schedule and Matchups for Canada and Czechia
Both teams will meet early in the group stage, kickstarting the competition in Group A. Canada’s opening fixtures include a Thursday morning game against Czechia, followed by contests against Switzerland and France. Czechia’s schedule mirrors this with games slated against Canada, France, and Switzerland, spaced across the first week of the games.
Canada’s games are as follows: a 10:40 a.m. faceoff against Czechia on Thursday, February 12, then a 3:10 p.m. match versus Switzerland on Friday, February 13, and finally a Sunday, February 15 game against France at 3:10 p.m. Czechia’s matches will start with the same Thursday morning game against Canada, followed by a Friday morning battle with France and a Sunday early morning contest with Switzerland at 6:10 a.m.
The return of NHL talent like Horvat and Palat to Olympic ice marks a significant moment for the tournament, likely intensifying competition and drawing considerable attention to hockey’s international stage. Their participation could shape both their teams’ chances and bring added excitement as fans worldwide watch these established players compete for Olympic glory.
