The U.S. women’s national hockey team has announced a significantly revamped roster as it prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, set to begin on February 5, 2026. Led by veteran player Hilary Knight, who will make her fifth Olympic appearance, this team features 12 new players compared to the squad that captured silver at the Beijing 2022 Games.
Among the standout newcomers is Laila Edwards, a 21-year-old defender from Cleveland, who will become the first Black female hockey player to represent the U.S. at the Olympics. “Getting that call is like a dream come true,” Edwards expressed, reflecting on her lifelong aspiration to compete on an Olympic stage.
New Faces and Veteran Leadership
The roster, released by USA Hockey, includes a total of 23 players, with only 11 members returning from the previous Olympic team. Knight, at 36 years old, is set to break the U.S. women’s hockey record for the most Winter Games appearances. She has previously won gold in 2018 and earned three silver medals throughout her Olympic career. Knight has announced that these will be her final Olympic Games, although she plans to continue her professional career in the PWHL.
Notable returning players include Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklein, both participating in their fourth Winter Games. Other familiar faces include forwards Alex Carpenter and Kelly Pannek, along with defenders Megan Keller and Caroline Harvey, who is currently completing her senior season at Wisconsin.
The team has undergone a transformation under the guidance of head coach John Wroblewski, who emphasized youth upon his hiring in June 2022. This approach marks a shift from the previous strategy that relied heavily on veteran players, which resulted in a disappointing performance in Beijing, finishing with a record of 5-2, including two losses to Canada.
Rising Stars and Olympic Aspirations
The current roster includes seven players still competing in college, with Joy Dunne from Ohio State being the youngest at just 20 years old. The goaltending lineup is also fresh, featuring Aerin Frankel as the projected starter, alongside backups Gwyneth Philips and Ava McNaughton, all set to make their Olympic debuts.
Wroblewski’s strategy paid off during the recent Rivalry Series, where the U.S. swept all four games against Canada, outscoring their rivals 24-7. The Americans also hold the title of defending world champions, having secured a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Canada in April.
As the U.S. prepares to face the Czech Republic in their Olympic opener, the team is poised to reclaim gold, aiming for their third Olympic title after last winning at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. The U.S. previously won the inaugural Olympic tournament in Nagano in 1998, while Canada has dominated the event with five gold medals.
These Olympics will be particularly significant, as they are the first since the establishment of the PWHL in 2024. This new eight-team league is anticipated to elevate the level of international competition, potentially bridging the gap for nations trailing behind the U.S. and Canada.
With a blend of experienced leadership and youthful energy, the U.S. women’s hockey team is determined to make a strong impression in Milan-Cortina, as they seek to add to their legacy in Olympic history.
