At a Glance
- Hilary Knight will make her fifth Olympic appearance and lead the U.S. roster.
- Laila Edwards becomes the first Black female U.S. Olympic hockey player.
- The 23-player squad includes 16 PWHL athletes and only 11 returning from Beijing.
- Why it matters: The team is the favorite to win gold in Milan Cortina 2026.
The U.S. women’s hockey team has announced its 23-player roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Led by veteran Hilary Knight and newcomer Laila Edwards, the squad blends experience with fresh talent as it seeks a third Olympic gold.
Roster Highlights
The roster features 11 players from the 2022 silver-medal team, including forward Kendall Coyne Schofield and defender Lee Stecklein, both heading to a fourth Olympics. Newcomers such as 21-year-old defender Laila Edwards bring a youthful energy.
- Veteran core: Knight, Schofield, Stecklein, Alex Carpenter, Kelly Pannek
- College standouts: Joy Dunne, Megan Keller, Caroline Harvey
- Goalie trio: Aerin Frankel, Gwyneth Philips, Ava McNaughton
Laila Edwards said:
> “It still hasn’t really kicked in yet. Getting that call is like a dream come true. Always had dreams of playing in the pros, but the biggest dream was to go the Olympics for sure.”
Coaching and Strategy
Coach John Wroblewski has emphasized a youth movement since taking over in June 2022. His influence is evident from the recent Rivalry Series, where the U.S. swept Canada 4-0 with a 24-7 goal margin.
Schedule and Expectations
The team opens on February 5 against the Czech Republic, with the gold-medal game slated for February 19. Analysts rank the U.S. as the top contender for gold, the first since 2018.
| Category | Count | Notable Names |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans | 11 | Knight, Schofield, Stecklein, Carpenter, Pannek |
| Newcomers | 12 | Edwards, Dunne, Frankel, Philips, McNaughton |
Key Takeaways
- Hilary Knight’s record-setting fifth Olympic appearance leads a blend of veterans and fresh talent.
- Laila Edwards becomes the first Black female U.S. Olympic hockey player, signaling growing diversity.
- The U.S. roster, heavily featuring PWHL players, is favored to win gold in Milan Cortina.
With a blend of seasoned talent and emerging stars, the U.S. women’s hockey team is poised to defend its title in Milan Cortina.
