The U.S. men’s hockey team has appointed Auston Matthews as its captain for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. This announcement was made on Sunday, solidifying Matthews’ leadership role after he previously captained the team during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025, where they narrowly lost to Canada in overtime.
Joining Matthews in leadership positions are alternate captains Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk. U.S. general manager Bill Guerin praised the trio, stating, “Auston, Charlie, and Matthew did a great job in leading our team a year ago at Four Nations, and it’s great to have them back in those roles for the Olympics. They all bring different leadership traits to the table, and I know all three are excited, as is our whole team, about representing our country as part of Team USA.”
At just 28 years old, Matthews has already made a significant impact in the National Hockey League (NHL). He has recorded 48 points in 51 games this season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, consisting of 26 goals and 22 assists. As a former No. 1 overall draft pick and the 2021-22 Hart Memorial Trophy winner for league MVP, Matthews is among the many young talents participating in his first Olympic Games. This marks the return of NHL players to the men’s hockey competition at the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
McAvoy, also 28, has contributed significantly as a defenseman for the Boston Bruins, with four goals and 35 assists in 45 games this season. Tkachuk, who has recently recovered from offseason hernia surgery, has played in 10 games for the Florida Panthers before the Olympic break.
As the women’s hockey competition is currently taking place in Milan, the men’s tournament is set to begin on Wednesday. Team USA will face Latvia in their first match on Thursday. Most NHL players arrived in Italy early on Sunday morning, and Team USA conducted its first practice later that day, ramping up preparations for the highly anticipated competition.
