Full Breakdown
Finland and Sweden Unveil Men's Hockey Rosters for Milano Cortina 2026
1/2/2026, 10:28:08 PM
Finland's Olympic Roster Highlights
Finland has announced its 25-man ice hockey squad for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, aiming to defend its gold medal from the Beijing 2022 Games. The roster features 24 NHL players, with the notable absence of captain Aleksander Barkov, who is sidelined for the season due to knee surgery. General Manager Jere Lehtinen emphasized the team's depth, stating, "Nobody can replace Barkov, but we have a lot of different kind of leaders." The squad includes key players such as Mikael Granlund of the Anaheim Ducks, Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars, and Oliver Kapanen of the Montreal Canadiens. Mikko Lehtonen, the only European-based player on the roster, is returning from the gold-medal-winning team in 2022.
Finland's Olympic history includes 18 previous appearances, with Milano Cortina marking their 19th. The team will compete in Group B, opening against Slovakia on February 11, followed by matches against Sweden and Italy.
Sweden's Olympic Roster Adjustments
Sweden has also revealed its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, seeking its first gold medal since 2006. The team includes NHL players such as Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche and Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings. Notable changes from the previous 4 Nations Face-Off roster include the addition of goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and forward Pontus Holmberg, while players like Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm have been dropped. Coach Sam Hallam noted the importance of these adjustments, stating, "We have a very experienced team."
Sweden will also compete in Group B, beginning its campaign against Italy on February 11, followed by a crucial match against Finland on February 13.
Official Statements & Responses
Finland's coach Antti Pennanen expressed confidence in his team's experience, stating, "We have a very experienced team, a lot of experience in playing for Team Finland." Meanwhile, Sweden's coach Sam Hallam highlighted the importance of the roster changes, indicating a strategic approach to reclaiming Olympic glory.
What's Next
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will feature preliminary rounds from February 5-10, with the gold medal game scheduled for February 22. Both Finland and Sweden will aim to advance through the group stages and contend for the medal rounds, with their opening matches set to be pivotal in determining their paths in the tournament.
