Photo credit: Brian Fluharty – Imagn Images.
Team Canada hit the ice on Sunday for their first practice at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy and their projected lines have raised some eyebrows.
While Vancouver Canucks fans are certainly going to keep tabs on their favourite players at the Winter Games, their attention for now has turned to Team Canada as they look for their first goal medal since 2014 and their third gold in a row when NHL players are participating.
“This is the top. This is as good as it gets, obviously, for so many reasons. Playing with [and against] the best players in the world. This is the biggest stage. I’m so excited to be here, honoured to be here, and I can’t wait to get playing.” Horvat said to Rob Williams of Daily Hive.
Team Canada’s lines at first Olympic practice raising some eyebrows
As mentioned, Canada took to the ice on Sunday and head coach Jon Cooper got them to work right away, with fans getting their first look at what the lines could be for Thursday’s tournament opener against David Pastrnak and Team Czechia.
2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini was handed a massive role right out of the gate, skating on the top line with Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson, the latter of whom many were surprised to see in the top-six.
Canada’s second line saw Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki with Nathan MacKinnon and Brad Marchand, while Sidney Crosby centered the “third line” with Mark Stone and Mitch Marner.
Ex-Canucks captain Bo Horvat centered Canada’s fourth line at Sunday’s practice with Brandon Hagel and West Vancouver’s Sam Reinhart, while Seth Jarvis and Sam Bennett skated as extras.
As for Team Canada’s defensive pairings, Jon Cooper kept Colorado Avalanche teammates Cale Makar and Devon Toews togethers, who were followed by Josh Morrissey & Colton Parayko, Drew Doughty & Thomas Harley and Shea Theodore & Travis Sanheim.
“lines at first practice of Milan Olympics
Celebrini – McDavid – Wilson
Marchand – MacKinnon – Suzuki
Stone – Crosby – Marner
Hagel – Horvat – Reinhart
Jarvis, Bennett
Toews – Makar
Morrissey – Parayko
Harley – Doughty
Theodore – Sanheim” TSN’s Mark Masters shared.
A lot can change between now and Thursday’s tournament opener, so it’s far from a guarantee that these will be the lines, however there is a nice balance throughout all four lines and three defensive pairings that Jon Cooper should at least try this out against the Czechs.
Puck drop for Thursday’s game between Canada and Czechia is set for 7:40 am PT (4:40 pm local) and can be viewed across the nation on TSN1 and CBC Gem.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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Team Canada’s lines at first 2026 Winter Olympics practice have raised some eyebrows
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