During the Olympic Games in Milan, Team Canada made an unexpected choice by taking the city’s metro instead of private transportation, surprising both locals and fans alike. On Tuesday, after attending the short-track speed skating event at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, the players took the Metropolitana di Milano to travel around, with Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson notably riding alongside local spectators.
Unexpected Encounters Between NHL Stars and Local Fans
A local Olympic attendee named Joshua shared his experience of riding the metro with the Canadian hockey team. Born and raised in Milan, he posted photos and videos that quickly gained attention online. Joshua described spotting the players easily in their distinctive red jackets and expressed how unusual it was to see professional athletes using public transportation during such a major event.
I immediately saw the Canadian Team of Hockey with their red jackets. My Swiss boyfriend who is a volunteer in the Olympic Village and a huge hockey fan was pretty amazed. I wasn’t expecting this experience at all. It was surprising to see NHL players commuting, too.
Joshua, Olympic Attendee
Despite the crowded and warm metro environment, the players appeared relaxed. Tom Wilson engaged with several fans keen to talk about hockey and the Olympic happenings. One snapshot even captured Connor McDavid glancing back, his expression concerned amid the busy car.
The players were pretty actually chill even though it was packed and hot inside the metro,
Joshua said.
Tom Wilson was having some conversation with some fans regarding the Olympics and the sightseeing that they did. They were having their day off today.
A Local’s Growing Appreciation for Tom Wilson and Hockey Culture
Before this encounter, Joshua admitted he was unfamiliar with Tom Wilson but gained appreciation through his boyfriend’s enthusiasm about hockey. The interaction left a positive impression about the player’s character and skill on the ice.
I got to be honest, I didn’t know Tom Wilson at all but my boyfriend, being a good hockey nerd, was telling me everything about him as we were in front of him, in Italian,
Joshua explained.
He seems such a good guy and a very good player as well!
Pop Culture Connection Inspires Local Fans During the Games
Joshua’s shares online also referenced “Shane Hollander,” a fictional hockey player from the popular HBO series Heated Rivalry, which highlights an intense romance between rival players. Fans in Italy are eagerly awaiting the series’ official release, and the show has already built a substantial following.
cercavo shane hollander amo.
— @vicentinhusband
I have already seen the series, many times actually!
Joshua revealed.
In Italy, the show hasn’t been out yet. It will come out in a few days, cannot wait but yes, there’s already a huge Italian fan base of the series. I’m so grateful as I got to see also Hudson Williams here in Milan of fashion week and the Canadian team in span of a month.
Shared Metro Ride Creates Memorable Olympic Moment
Interestingly, the players did not use the metro for their return to the Olympic Village. Instead, Joshua found himself on the same route and metro line as the team afterward. Despite the chance for a photo, he chose to simply observe and enjoy the moment quietly.
They were almost taking me home as we were doing the same route and changed into the same metro,
Joshua noted.
I was living this unique Olympic moment at it fullest,
he said.
I’ll be surely watching Team Canada and of course rooting for the Italian Team.
Viral Attention Highlights the Power of Unexpected Olympic Encounters
Joshua’s viral posts have captured widespread reactions online, illustrating how quickly news and moments spread during the Olympic season. He expressed excitement over the responses and valued the opportunity to connect more closely with the event and its participants.
It’s fun and i love getting to know people’s reaction,
Joshua shared.
It’s crazy how everything now spreads around so quickly!
This simple choice by Tom Wilson and Team Canada to embrace Milan’s public transportation allowed for a rare blending of everyday city life with Olympic excitement, deepening fans’ connection to athletes beyond the arena. As the Games continue, such moments remind us of the wide-reaching impacts of international sports events on local communities and visitors alike.
io li ho beccati in metro dopo lo short track 💀 pic.twitter.com/uJVS69Yif3
— vicentin husband (@vicentinhusband) February 10, 2026
Imagine hopping on the subway and casually standing next to Tom Wilson and Team Canada 😂🇨🇦
(Via @vicentinhusband) pic.twitter.com/gGGVYpUKsE
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 10, 2026
cercavo shane hollander amo pic.twitter.com/yu4uplppGE
— vicentin husband (@vicentinhusband) February 10, 2026
