There are 455 people living in the town of Elkhorn, Manitoba, Canada, according to Statistics Canada. Safe to say just about every one of those 910 eyes will be focused on television sets around 10:40 a.m. Thursday.

They’ll be watching the town’s favorite son, Travis Sanheim, competing for Team Canada against Czechia in the 2026 Winter Olympics at Milan, Italy.

Sanheim, the longest-tenured Flyers defenseman, was listed as an extra on Canada’s eight-man backline roster. But there’s a good chance he will see action along the way in this tournament.

“It’s just exciting to be going there and experiencing everything with it,” Sanheim said. “Then just getting focused and ready to play.”

There’s a chance Sanheim could go against one of his Flyers teammates in Dan Vladar, one of three goaltenders on Czechia.

“I think it’s going to be high-end hockey, competitive, fast-paced,” Sanheim said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

It’s well-documented that Sanheim has been dreaming about the Olympics since he was a kid.

“You dream about it but I don’t know if it ever sets in that I would make it,” Sanheim said. “First, you’re trying to make the NHL, that’s your goal. Playing against the best of the best (in the Olympics), you never really thought about it too much but now that it’s here and you realize who you’re playing with and against, it’s really going to set in.”

Sanheim is joined on the Canada roster by fellow defensemen Drew Doughty (Los Angeles), Thomas Harley (Dallas), Cale Makar and Devon Toews (Colorado), Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg), Colton Parayko (St. Louis) and Shea Theordore (Vegas).

It’s basically the same D-corps that represented Canada in last year’s 4 Nations tournament. Sanheim played alongside Doughty, Parayko and Toews at various times throughout that competition.

The veteran Flyer isn’t concerned about playing time. He just wants to be ready when his name is called.

“When I get there I’ll find out and it will be whatever the team needs,” Sanheim said.

Hockey action got underway Wednesday, with Finland playing Slovakia and Italy taking on Sweden. The Flyers’ third representative at these games, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, will be competing for Finland.

Sanheim plays in all situations with the Flyers. His Canada assignment might change, but he just wants to contribute when called upon.

“I feel comfortable I can step in at any spot,” he said.

Will there be a watch party back in Elkhorn?

“I’m not sure what’s going on,” Sanheim said with a grin. “I’m trying to keep my focus on what’s ahead.”

Sanheim’s family, including wife Alex, will be there in person. The excitement level should be high, with Canada favored to win another gold medal.

“It’s something that not a lot of people get to do,” Sanheim said. “It’s special. It’s like competing in the playoffs for a Stanley Cup. I just want to soak it in and do my best.”

Sanheim is a big advocate of neck protection and players of his ilk are pleased to see that neck guards will be mandatory for these Olympics.

It’s his hope this experience will have a carryover effect for some players.

“I’m interested to see when guys come back (to the NHL), if they continue wearing it or not,” Sanheim said. “Maybe it will come down to comfort level. The tournament is about 10 days. I’m sure the players will feel comfortable with it.”

Bringing home a few converts to neck guards would be nice. Bringing home a gold medal to Elkhorn would be downright special.

www.flyingfishhockey.com