Get ready for an exciting chapter in the world of ice hockey! Auston Matthews, the captain of Team USA, is about to lead his team into battle at the Olympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026.
As the USA takes on Latvia in their opening match on Thursday, February 12th, Matthews will don the captain's 'C' on his jersey, a symbol of leadership and responsibility. But here's where it gets interesting: this is a far cry from his role as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL. In fact, many Maple Leafs fans might be cheering against him, as they support their home nation, Canada.
In this Olympic year, NHL players have returned to the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014, and Matthews finds himself leading an all-star USA team. But does this change his approach to captaincy? Matthews believes not. "I don't think anything really changes," he says. "We've got a room full of leaders here, guys who were captains in their NHL teams. I just try to lead by example, both on and off the ice."
And lead by example he does. Matthews, along with his teammates, embodies the growing diversification of ice hockey. His mother, Ema, is from Hermosilla, Mexico, and he grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. He's an inspiration to young hockey players in "non-traditional" ice hockey markets, proving that the sport is evolving and growing beyond its traditional strongholds.
"It's incredible to see the diversity we bring to Team USA," Matthews says. "The game is evolving, and when it grows in these areas, it's truly amazing."
On the ice, Matthews will center a line with Jake Guentzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Matt Boldy of the Minnesota Wild. "They're smart and competitive, and I think they're underrated in the league," Matthews comments. "They're easy to play with, and it's been a lot of fun so far."
Matthews expects this U.S. team to aim for the stars. "We want to be the best team," he says. "It's about each guy embracing their role and giving it their all. It's about being a team."
While the players bond off the ice, it's all business on the rink. The United States has a score to settle after falling to Canada in overtime in the final of the 2025 NHL-sponsored 4 Nations Face-Off. Milano Cortina 2026 presents an opportunity for revenge and a chance to make history. The last time the United States men's ice hockey team won Olympic gold was in the legendary "Miracle on Ice" at Lake Placid 1980.
"Every guy here is extremely competitive and knows our main goal," Matthews asserts. "That's our focus."
Will Team USA rise to the challenge and bring home the gold? Stay tuned to find out! And don't forget to follow all the action on the Olympics.com live blog.
