Auston Matthews, captain of Team USA’s hockey squad, is sharing a room with Dylan Larkin at the Olympic Village in Milan during the Winter Olympics. Speaking about the experience on Monday, Matthews described the compact living arrangements and how they have contributed to the team’s unity.
The Olympic Village accommodations feel similar to those of college dormitories, featuring single beds positioned over storage spaces, separate closets equipped with drying racks and hangers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and bathrooms with showers and bidets. While the spaces are confined, players find comfort in being together.
Despite the limited space, Matthews welcomed the chance to live alongside teammates, saying,
“Yeah, it’s great. I mean it’s pretty neat. I’m rooming with Dylan Larkin so my guy that I’ve known for a while and, you know, a lot of history with so it’s pretty cool.”
He continued,
“It’s pretty tight quarters, but it’s cool just to be all together and get to experience things and do things together as a team, whether it’s going to the dining hall or whatever it may be.”
The reality of competing in the Olympics also settled in after moving into the village. Matthews reflected,
“Once you kind of settled in there, it kind of hit you just, you know, how special it is to be here.”
Preparations Ahead of Team USA’s Opening Match
With living arrangements settled, Team USA is now focusing on their upcoming game against Latvia, scheduled for Thursday at 9:10 p.m. local time. The players understand the weight of representing their country and are channeling that determination as they prepare for the tournament’s start.
Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger Bond Over Games and Shared Meals
Goalies Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger are also roommates at the Olympic Village, creating their own unique routines away from the rink. Swayman expressed enthusiasm about the living situation on February 8, stating,
“We got roommates! I got a roommate, Jake Oettinger, so he and I have really been bonding.”
He added,
“We’ve been playing a ton of Cribbage and sharing our meals on our beds.”
Oettinger, the Dallas Stars netminder, reciprocated the positive feelings about their time together:
“He’s the best. He’s my roommate, so we have a blast.”
Swayman described the overall village experience as surreal, reflecting on the significance of the Opening Ceremony:
“Walking in with your whole country and having that pride. It was a pinch-yourself moment and pretty special to share that with those guys.”
Arrival Procedures and Facilities at the Olympic Village
The journey to the Olympic Village involved several steps, including passport control, accreditation validation, and participation in the Team USA Welcome Experience at the Sheraton Hotel. Subsequently, the team took an hour-long charter bus ride to the village itself.
While there were initial concerns about a norovirus outbreak potentially affecting the athletes, Team USA players have remained in their Olympic accommodations. Additionally, athletes and their families can visit the Winter House, a private hospitality area supported by USA Hockey, US Speedskating, and US Figure Skating, offering a welcomed space for relaxation and socializing.
Significance of the Olympic Experience for Team USA Players
The close living quarters and shared experiences in Milan have fostered a sense of togetherness among Team USA hockey players like Auston Matthews and Dylan Larkin, as well as goalies Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger. Such bonds may prove vital as the team faces intense competition on the ice.
These moments away from the rink are helping players absorb the unique atmosphere of the Olympics and build camaraderie. The upcoming matches will test their skills and teamwork, but living and bonding in the Olympic Village could strengthen their resolve and performance throughout the tournament.
Team USA captain Auston Matthews says sharing a room with Dylan Larkin in the Olympic Village has been “pretty tight quarters,” but still fun, despite that, being able to experience it all 😅
🎥: @TSN_Sports
H/T: @poutingthrough #LeafsForever | #MilanoCorrina2026 pic.twitter.com/YiKtcTMu9y— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) February 9, 2026
