For three weeks, both the NHL and PWHL have paused regular-season action as many players head to Italy to compete in the Milan Cortina Olympics. This tournament marks the NHL’s first participation in the Winter Olympics since 2014, having skipped the 2018 games and withdrawn from the 2022 Beijing event due to COVID-19 disruptions. The focus now turns to stars like Kendall Coyne Schofield and other prominent athletes representing their countries on the Olympic stage.
Team Rosters Highlight Local Talent and International Stars
The women’s Olympic hockey competition started a day before the opening ceremony, bringing together top players including three from Illinois on Team USA. Kendall Coyne Schofield, a four-time Olympian from Palos Heights, leads this group alongside Abbey Murphy of Evergreen Park, who also played in the 2022 U.S. squad that earned silver, and newcomer Tessa Janecke from Warren. Meanwhile, the men’s competition features Teuvo Teräväinen of the Chicago Blackhawks, representing Finland as the defending Olympic champions.
Notably absent from Team Canada is Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks’ highly touted forward. Despite his impressive season stats with 23 goals and 30 assists over 43 games, Bedard was not selected. Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong clarified that Bedard’s recent shoulder injury had little influence on the decision.
Connor Bedard Addresses His Olympic Omission with Determination
Bedard responded to the disappointment with a reflective and forward-looking mindset, aiming to improve and secure his spot in future Olympic teams. He stated,
“When you don’t meet an expectation or meet one of your goals, the only thing to do is look in the mirror and see where you can get better,”
Bedard said.
“That’s not on who’s picking the team, that’s on the players, and that’s the positive I’ve taken out of that.”
Teuvo Teräväinen Prepared for His Olympic Debut and Challenges Ahead
At 31 years old, Teräväinen is the only Chicago Blackhawks player competing at this Olympics. Having returned recently from an upper-body injury, he faces the challenge of maintaining sharpness after a fast-paced NHL schedule while adjusting to the international tournament’s intensity. Teräväinen shared,
“It’s an exciting time being back from a little injury, and then the Olympics are coming too,”
Teräväinen said.
“It’s tough because we were playing like every day here, so you have to keep your focus here. And at the same time, some big games are coming too.”
Although this marks his first Olympic appearance, Teräväinen brings significant international experience, captaining Finland’s gold-winning team at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship and participating in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2018 World Championship. His recent involvement in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off last February, despite limited ice time, is part of his preparation to contribute more at the Olympics.
He expressed his approach to competing in Milan:
“I try to be myself playing my game, and that’s why they have picked me on the team,”
Teräväinen said.
“(I’ll) try to make some plays when I can (and) be good on the defensive side.”
Finland’s Team Chemistry and International Rink Adjustments
Finland’s roster features NHL stars such as Mikko Rantanen from the Dallas Stars and Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes, giving the team a solid international presence. Teräväinen noted the advantage their familiarity brings:
“I played with all of them, so I think that’s going to be one of our biggest strengths because we know each other really good,”
he said.
“Good to see them again and hang out and go to work.”
However, concerns persist regarding the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, which is not fully completed, raising questions about ice quality. Additionally, players must adapt to a smaller international rink size of 60-by-26 meters, which is shorter and wider than an NHL rink.
Teräväinen commented on these adjustments, saying,
“We’ll see how that feels (and if) it’s going to be safe for everyone,”
he said.
“I’m excited to see (if) the rink is going to be ready.”
Team USA Prepares to Face Early Challenges in Women’s Tournament
The women’s tournament began with games at both Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena and Santagiulia. Team USA’s first game is against Czechia, played at Milano Rho, followed by a Santagiulia matchup with Switzerland. Kendall Coyne Schofield expressed optimism despite the uncertainties surrounding the venue saying,
“As long as it’s frozen, we’ll be there,”
Coyne Schofield said.
“We can’t control anything else other than that. (I’m) just excited to get over there.”
Kendall Coyne Schofield Reflects on Her Olympic Journey and Evolving Role
Coyne Schofield brings a wealth of Olympic experience, holding one gold and two silver medals from her previous games in Russia, South Korea, and China. She has witnessed the evolution of women’s professional hockey first-hand, noting changes in league operations, including the PWHL’s temporary pause for the Olympics. She explained,
“Each experience and the preparation leading up to the Olympic Games have been unique in their own ways,”
she said.
“Fast forward to now, 2026, we are playing in a pro league (and) our league is going to pause and we’re going to have an Olympic break.”
The PWHL is rapidly emerging as the leading professional league for women’s hockey, with Coyne Schofield’s Minnesota Frost recently participating in a high-profile Takeover Tour against teams like the Ottawa Charge. The tour included a record-breaking attendance game in Washington, reflecting growing fan interest which could carry over to this year’s Olympic tournament.
Coyne Schofield expressed how these games have taken on a new significance, saying,
“The journey between 2022 and 2026 has been special, it’s been hard, but it’s been so rewarding,”
she said.
“That’s one thing that separates (this from) the other three by far.”
Embracing the Fast Pace and Focus of Olympic Competition
The Olympic hockey schedule is intense and fast-paced, a stark contrast to the longer NHL and PWHL seasons. Coyne Schofield shared what she learned from her first Olympics in 2014 about how quickly the experience passes and the importance of cherishing every moment. She explained,
“It’s something that I not only learned through the Olympics, but also the World Championships, is these tournaments (are) a sprint, it’s not a marathon,”
she said.
“When we get on the ground in Milan, it’s a sprint to the finish line.”
“It’s an experience that you work your whole life for, and you blink and it’s over. What I learned is it goes by so fast and to enjoy each day, each moment, and embrace it.”
Guidance for Younger Teammates Amid Olympic Pressures
Preparing for the Olympics comes with higher stakes and the responsibility of representing one’s country. Coyne Schofield offers advice to younger players like Abbey Murphy and Tessa Janecke: savor the opportunity and maintain the habits that brought them success. She advised,
“The way you prepare is what has allowed you to be at the pinnacle of the sport,”
Coyne Schofield said.
“Whether you’re preparing for a practice, a pro game, a college game, Olympic game, that process has allowed you to be the best you.”
“Really the difference is when you’re playing for Team USA, you’re on a super team. The difference is owning your role and knowing your role may be different and embracing that difference … knowing it is likely going to be different because the team is made up of 23 all-stars. The team that can adjust, adapt and settle into whatever role is being asked of them, those are the teams that usually come out on top.”
Kendall Coyne Schofield’s Legacy and Personal Milestones
In addition to her Olympic and international achievements, Coyne Schofield boasts six 4 Nations Cup titles, two World Championship gold medals, and back-to-back Walter Cups in the PWHL. Beyond hockey, a major milestone has deeply influenced her life and career—becoming a mother. Her son, Drew John Schofield, now 2 years old, inspires her daily.
Reflecting on motherhood’s impact, she said,
“Becoming a mom has allowed me to be the best version of me that has ever existed,”
Coyne Schofield said.
“I’m excited to go into the games knowing that I think I’m my best self on and off the ice.”
“The balance, the perspective and the patience that becoming a mom has provided me has allowed me to be a better hockey player and ultimately the best mom that I can be. (I can) balance both and be great at both at the same time.”
Looking Forward: The Olympic Impact on Hockey and Players’ Futures
The temporary halt to NHL and PWHL seasons for the Olympic break creates anticipation and uncertainty among hockey fans and athletes. Yet for players like Kendall Coyne Schofield, this international spotlight provides a unique platform to demonstrate skill and resilience. The Milan Cortina Olympics not only showcase global talent but also influence the trajectory of players’ careers and the growth of hockey worldwide. The experience is intense and fleeting, but its effects will resonate well beyond these games as players return to their leagues inspired and shaped by their Olympic roles.
How much did Bedard's injury play into Canada not choosing him? "Not a lot," says Doug Armstrong.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) December 31, 2025
