Every country participating in the 2026 Olympics announced their hockey team rosters. The Dallas Stars will send seven of their players to Milano-Cortina in February. Jake Oettinger is the sole United States representative from the team. The Stars will send four Finnish players in Rantanen, Hintz, Heiskanen, and Lindell. Radek Faksa will represent the Czech Republic. Thomas Harley is playing for Canada. This is a great opportunity for these players to showcase the talent on the Stars’ roster despite their recent 0-3-3 slump. One notable player missing out on the roster is Jason Robertson. Robertson will miss out on playing for the United States, inciting controversy among hockey fans. Several questions are directed towards his omission.
Finland
Many Stars fans are rooting for Finland in these Olympics. Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Esa Lindell are starters for their home country. The 2014 Sochi Games were the last to feature NHL players. Finland is the reigning champion at the Beijing Games in 2022 despite no NHL players competing. Finland brought home the gold medal for the first time in the country’s history. They are looking to go 2/2 for their second straight. Former Stars players Mikael Granlund and Joel Kiviranta are also starting for Finland.
Czechia
Several non-NHLers are leading the roster for the Czech Republic. Czechia will take Stars forward Radek Faksa. Italy is also the last time the Czech Republic medaled in the Olympics with a bronze in Torino for the 2006 Games. 1998 is their last and only gold medal after the Nagano, Japan tournament. Team Czech Republic is an underdog looking to make an impact against other countries’ stacked rosters.
United States
The roster announcement for the United States stirred quite the controversy. Goaltender Jake Oettinger is the only Stars representative. Last year’s playoffs featured the ultimate duel between Oettinger and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck and the Jets are not off to a good start with their league-worst 15-21-5. Hellebuyck is 9-11-4 on the season, albeit with a 2.63 GAA. Hellebuyck is the likely starter, having Oettinger as his backup. The Miracle on Ice in 1980 is the last time the United States took gold at the Olympics. Fans are in uproar about a certain player being left off the roster.
Robertson is Out
No American player has scored more since 2025 than Jason Robertson. Since January 1, 2025, Robertson scored 51 goals and 104 points, leading the American-born players in each category. He also sat out the 4 Nations Face-Off. United States General Manager Bill Guerin played three seasons for the Stars from 2002-2006. All love is lost for that man as he is leaving the best American hockey player at home. What in the World is Bill Guerin thinking? Jason Robertson is a staple on the Stars’ roster, bolstering domination every time he skates. He brings the best goal-scoring talent this country offers. If that is not enough, he is a leader amongst men while bringing an electric presence on the ice. The last United States gold medal was 46 years ago, so let’s leave the country’s best hockey player back in Dallas. There is a possibility that Robertson still makes the trip as an alternate. He should not have been an alternate in the first place.
Canada
Thomas Harley enjoyed a nice vacation during the 4 Nations Face-Off break last season. Harley cancelled his trip before answering his nation’s call due to injury. Harley proved himself in the tournament enough to earn a spot in these Olympics. Canada is the heavy favorite to win gold. Canada last won the gold medal in 2014, their 9th in history.
Tournament
Stars players will play each other in only one game during the qualifying round. Faksa and Harley play each other on February 12th, at the Pataitalia Santa Giulia. Jake Oettinger will attempt to backstop the United States against Germany, Latvia, and Denmark. We’ll see Stars players when Finland plays Sweden, Slovakia, and Italy. All 12 countries will qualify for the playoffs in a single elimination format. Get ready if Stars players compete against each other in the Gold Medal Game.
Leaving Jason Robertson out weakens the United States. Robertson may travel to the Olympics in reserve if any injuries occur for the team. This tournament brings ice hockey to the World stage, allowing for the many Stars players to display their talent. Chances are high for a Stars player to win the gold medal. Hockey fans will enjoy NHL players competing for the first time in 12 years.
Photo Credit: @DMN_Stars
Dallas Stars Nation Blogger. You can time how fast I skate with a calendar. Lifetime GAA about 12.50.
Tags: dallas stars Esa Lindell Jason Robertson Mikko Rantanen Miro Heiskanen nhl Radek Faksa Roope Hintz Thomas Harley USA Hockey
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