Olympic Veterans Bring Priceless Experience to Milan's Ice Hockey Showdown
As the world's top ice hockey talent converges in Milan for the first full international men's tournament in a decade, seasoned players like Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty are highlighting the immense value of Olympic experience. These veterans, who have navigated the pressures of past Games, are now guiding younger teammates through the high-stakes environment of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
From 'Young and Dumb' to Seasoned Leaders
Sidney Crosby, 16 years removed from his iconic golden goal at the 2010 Vancouver Games, reflects on the passage of time with mixed emotions. "There's some days that it feels like 12 years and other days where it feels like yesterday," Crosby remarked. In contrast, Sweden's Rasmus Dahlin recalls his first Olympics in 2018 at age 17 with less fondness, admitting, "I did not enjoy it one bit. I was just young and dumb. I didn't really realize I was at the Olympics." Now, both players are among the few bridging the 12-year gap since the NHL last participated fully, bringing hard-earned wisdom to Milan.
A Roster Rich in Olympic Pedigree
Ten of the 12 teams in Milan feature at least one player with prior Olympic experience, underscoring the rarity of this reunion. Key returnees include:
- Canada: Crosby and Doughty, both three-time Olympians aiming for a third consecutive gold.
- Sweden: Captain Gabriel Landeskog, Erik Karlsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Marcus Johansson, all back from the 2014 Sochi Games.
- Latvia: Kaspars Daugavins, a four-time Olympian, alongside Zemgus Girgensons and others.
- Czechia: Roman Cervenka, the only five-time Olympian in the tournament.
Notably, the U.S. team has no players returning from 2014, while Finland boasts Miro Heiskanen and Eeli Tolvanen from 2018. Slovakia's Juraj Slafkovsky, MVP in 2022, also returns, showcasing the diverse mix of experience levels.
Lessons from Past Olympic Absences
The NHL's absence from the 2018 Pyeongchang Games created unique opportunities for younger players. Heiskanen and Tolvanen, then teenagers, seized their chance, with Tolvanen making the all-tournament team. "We were kind of the kids around that everybody else was babysitting," Tolvanen recalled. Similarly, the 2022 Beijing bubble, though restrictive due to COVID-19, provided valuable lessons for U.S. defensemen Brock Faber and Jake Sanderson, who now appreciate the perils of single-elimination tournaments.
Embracing the Milan Experience
With the NHL back in full force, players are relishing the chance to explore Milan freely, a stark contrast to previous bubble environments. As Sweden's Karlsson noted, "It's an experience that some of us have that is very valuable. It's always something that, when you're in those moments, it gives you a sense of comfort that you've been here before." This blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy sets the stage for a thrilling competition, where the quest for gold remains the ultimate goal, as Doughty emphasized: "It means so much, and it's been so long since the last one. That's all you think about when you come here."
