In February 2026, childhood friends of Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis are traveling to Milan to see him compete in the Winter Olympics with Team Canada. This group, which includes Bryan Hanna, Sloan Tremblay, Lucas Humble, Lucas Fry, Matt McLeod, and Noah Wagner, previously made a 27-hour drive to Boston for the Four Nations tournament. Now, with the help of Air Canada and social media, they are flying to Italy to support Jarvis in his Olympic debut.
Friends’ Support Inspired by Jarvis’ NHL Career
Their dedication to following Jarvis has resonated with the NHL, which once facilitated the group’s attendance at the Carolina Hurricanes’ decisive Game 5 win over the New Jersey Devils during the last postseason. Bryan Hanna reflected on the surreal nature of this moment.
“It’s surreal, it’s one of those pinch me moments,”
he said. The group’s enthusiasm underscores how close-knit they remain despite Jarvis’ rising profile as a professional athlete.
Unexpected Opportunities Lead to Olympic Trip
Originally planning to visit Jarvis in Raleigh during the NHL Olympic break, the friends scrambled to make new arrangements when Jarvis was named a last-minute injury replacement for Team Canada. Due to the high costs of flights and accommodations in Milan, the group turned to social media for assistance. Hanna explained,
“Eventually Air Canada reached out to us, who is a partner with Team Canada. They were like ‘we want to get you guys out there. Is there any way we can help?’ They hooked us up with some flights and they are getting us out there.”
Excitement Builds Despite Limited Time with Jarvis
Hanna, preparing to depart for Italy, expressed enthusiasm for experiencing the Olympic atmosphere, even if time with Jarvis might be limited.
“I want to see as many events as we possibly can,”
he said.
“It’s like a once in a lifetime thing.”
The trip is as much about celebrating their friend’s achievement as it is about immersing themselves in the spirit of the Games.
Jarvis’ Journey from Winnipeg to NHL Stardom
Entering his fifth NHL season, Seth Jarvis is having a standout year with 25 goals and 18 assists for the Hurricanes. Despite his increasing fame, his friends emphasize his grounded personality.
“I think one of the coolest things is that the way he is around the media and everyone is exactly how he is around us, he’s authentic to himself,”
Hanna noted.
“I think that’s what makes him so lovable to everyone because he is such a cool guy. He’s a fun dude, he’s just one of the fellas.”
Representing a Dream for Canadian Hockey Fans
For these lifelong friends and many Canadians, Jarvis’ Olympic participation is deeply meaningful. Hanna reflected on the symbolism behind the journey:
“This is something as a young Canadian child, you play mini sticks in the basement. You’re like picturing yourself as Sidney Crosby or one of those Canadian players scoring a golden goal….The fact that he gets to do it is huge for all of us, huge for his family, huge for him, huge for the city of Winnipeg.”
