Finland earned the bronze medal in men’s ice hockey at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 after a decisive 6-1 victory over Slovakia on February 21 at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy. Key contributions from Florida Panthers players Niko Mikkola, Anton Lundell, and Eetu Luostarinen helped secure the podium finish for their home country, marking a significant achievement in the tournament.
Contributions from Florida Panthers Players in Finland’s Success
Mikkola, Lundell, and Luostarinen combined for nine points across Finland’s six games, demonstrating strong offensive and defensive play. Lundell recorded one goal and one assist, including a primary assist on Arturri Lehkonen’s overtime winner during the quarterfinal against Switzerland. Luostarinen contributed four assists, while Mikkola provided three assists and tied for the team lead with a plus-nine rating. Their efforts helped Finland clinch the bronze medal and further elevated their status as top performers in the competition.
The trio became the seventh through ninth Florida Panthers players to win Olympic medals while with the franchise. Finland now boasts six Olympic medal winners from the Panthers, including notables such as Esa Tikkanen (1998, Bronze), Olli Jokinen (2006, Silver), and Aleksander Barkov (2014, Bronze). Panthers assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu also added his expertise by serving as an assistant coach for the Finnish team during the games.
Other Panthers Representing Nations at the Milano Cortina Games
The Florida Panthers have a team-leading 10 players and five staff members representing various countries at these Olympics. Apart from the Finnish players, Panthers forwards Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett competed for Canada, while Matthew Tkachuk represented the United States alongside staff including assistant general manager Bill Zito and equipment manager Teddy Richards. Additional Panthers personnel included Sandis Vilmanis and Uvis Balinskis for Latvia, Gustav Forsling for Sweden, and coaches Jamie Kompon for Germany and Myles Fee for Sweden.
Looking Ahead: Panthers Return to NHL Action
Following their Olympic success, the Florida Panthers will resume their NHL schedule on February 26, facing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Amerant Bank Arena. The game will be broadcast on Scripps Sports and available on Panthers Plus, as the team builds on the momentum generated during the Milano Cortina tournament.
“Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola earned bronze medals for their home nation Finland at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.” ?Florida Panthers Official Statement
“Lundell contributed the primary assist on Arturri Lehkonen’s overtime goal in the quarterfinal vs. Switzerland, and Mikkola tied for the lead on Finland with a plus-nine rating.” ?Florida Panthers Official Statement
