Nikolaj Ehlers (24) of Team Denmark skates with the puck against Moritz Seider of Team Germany in the first period during the Men’s Preliminary Group C match between Germany and Denmark on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Jamie Squire
Getty Images
Milan, Italy
Nikolaj Ehlers is going to be skating soon, but not at his home arena; he’s going to be participating in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Games for his home country, Denmark.
The Carolina Hurricanes’ left wing will be joined by his teammate, Frederik Andersen, as two of the Hurricanes’ strongest players competing on the international stage. Ehlers is excited to compete in the games, but he’s even more thrilled to be competing with his NHL teammate.
“I’ve always wanted to play with a Danish guy over here and luckily I’ve been able to this year,” Ehlers said.
For years, the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level of winter sports has been a personal goal, and now he gets to share that experience with Andersen, a teammate and friend in Carolina. The duo’s chemistry and teamwork will bring an extra edge to Team Denmark.
Denmark might not be considered a hockey powerhouse like Canada and the United States, but the country has continued to produce NHL talent. Denmark is one of the countries that had to qualify for the games, making it an extra challenge for the players. This fuels the enthusiasm of the players and motivates them to show the world what Denmark has to offer.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) moves the puck in the first period against Dallas on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Ehlers will bring his speed, creativity, and scoring strength to the team, hoping to make a powerful impact on Denmark’s offense.
“We have plans to enjoy this as much as possible and take everything we can in and experience as much as possible,” said Ehlers, who also said he plans to not only enjoy the ice, but also enjoy the country and the atmosphere, as well.
For Danish hockey fans, the Games aren’t just about victories; they’re about inspiration, and showing not only Denmark but the world that competing at the Olympics is possible, even from a small hockey nation.
Madeline Hiteshue is a student with UNC Media Hub, a program with the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, reporting from the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
This story was originally published February 12, 2026 at 6:15 AM.
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