DALLAS — The Winter Olympics get underway next month, and there’s extra anticipation surrounding this year’s hockey tournament. After a 12-year hiatus, NHL players are making their return to the Olympic stage, and seven Dallas Stars were selected to represent their countries in Milano and Cortina, Italy.

What You Need To Know

Seven Dallas Stars players were selected for the Winter Olympics

Jake Oettinger will make his Olympic debut for Team USA

Jason Robertson did not make Team USA’s roster despite high performance

Last week, Stars goalie Jake Oettinger got the call that he’d been dreaming about his entire life.

“Yeah, it’s, I mean, something I’ve wanted my whole life, and to finally get that call was like one of the coolest things that’s ever happened to me,” said Oettinger.

Oettinger has played on the world stage with Team USA before, but next month he’ll make his Olympic debut.

“This is that times ten, and just to be, I mean, even in this conversation of guys that would be on that team is pretty crazy to me. I never thought I’d be in this position,” said Oettinger.

With a ton of depth at his position, the Minnesota native will be competing for the number one spot in goal.

“I feel like I’ve built a resume that I can play well in big games, and so I’m hoping that they give me an opportunity to get in one and then it’s up to me to play well and you know try to not let them take me out of the net,” said Oettinger.

One Stars player who did not make Team USA’s roster is Jason Robertson—leaving hockey fans stunned by the snub. Robertson is first in points among American-born players in the NHL this season and is tied for fourth with 24 goals.

“Yeah, I thought that this year is different than last year,” said Robertson. “Obviously last year I didn’t think I was good enough, now I think I did, and it’s their choice and their decision and that’s it…obviously it hurts your ego but I’m not going to change the way I play, and I’m happy to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Over in Europe, Team Finland will have no shortage of stars as Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Esa Lindell and Mikko Rantanen will suit up for the blue and white.

“It’s one of the biggest things you can do, represent your country in the sport you love to do, so I think it’s always a pleasure to represent your country,” said Hintz.

The NHL will take a break for the duration of the Winter Olympics, but you can still watch a few of the Stars take to the ice as they try to bring home the gold to their respective countries.