Canadian flags and pictures of local hockey star Travis Sanheim are plastered around Elkhorn, Man., a small community near the Saskatchewan border, as he goes for the gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Team Canada’s men’s hockey roster, which was announced in late December, is packed with National Hockey League players for the first time in a decade. Sanheim, who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers, is one of three Manitobans named to the squad.
Winnipeggers Mark Stone, who serves as captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes are also representing Canada in Italy.
Travis’s mother, Shelly Sanheim, says the entire community of about 500 people is fully behind her son.
“Everybody’s got Travis’ best interest. They’re all going to be glued to their TVs watching, cheering for Travis and Team Canada because we’re just passionate hockey fans,” Shelly said.
Travis Sanheim, who was born and raised in Elkhorn, Man., plays for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League. (Matt Rourke/The Associated Press)
“Everybody’s so supportive,” she said.
Travis’s father, Kent Sanheim, said it’s “amazing” to see how elementary students at Elkhorn School have put together poster boards filled with pictures of his son — including a “Homegrown Hero” display charting his path from peewee-level hockey to the NHL and now Team Canada.
“They’re all supportive. And some of those kids maybe wouldn’t watch [the] Olympics as much, but because he’s there [they] now will,” Kent said.
Travis’s nieces and a nephew who attend Elkhorn School told CBC News they feel proud to see pictures of their uncle in the school.
Elementary students at Elkhorn School in western Manitoba have put together a “Homegrown Hero” display charting Travis Sanheim’s path from peewee-level hockey to Team Canada. (Michele McDougall/CBC)
Tucker Istace, 10, said he’s seen his uncle play professionally in Winnipeg and Philadelphia and it’s “pretty cool” that he’s heading to the Olympics in Milan.
Family friend Garth Mitchell, who coached Travis in his minor hockey days, said he is “exceptionally proud” of the 29-year-old defenceman.
“He’s always been a very determined young man and a very intelligent hockey player. He’s worked very hard to get where he is today,” Mitchell said.
“This is a very amazing, amazing opportunity for Travis, and our community is so happy for him,” he said.
Shelly says the entire family will be travelling to Italy to cheer him on, including his three siblings and their significant others. Travis’s wife and her family, and two of his childhood friends are also making the trip.
“We couldn’t ask for a better holiday,” she said, adding the family plans to soak up this “once in a lifetime” moment.
“We’re so excited to get over to Milan and start cheering Team Canada on,” Shelly said. “We’re just so proud of him.”
Team Canada is scheduled to face off against Czechia on Thursday morning.