Dallas Stars entered the Olympic break with a 34-14-9 record, riding a six-game winning streak, but seven of their players are off to represent four different countries in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. Marc Sautter of The Hockey Writers breaks down where and when each Stars Olympian will be playing.
Team USA – Jake Oettinger is one of three goalies for Team USA, competing with Connor Hellebuyck and Jeremy Swayman for the starting role. While he has less international experience, he has been strong in junior and senior tournaments, including a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championship.
When to Watch
- Feb. 12: Latvia vs United States, 3:10 p.m. EST
- Feb. 14: United States vs Denmark, 3:10 p.m. EST
- Feb. 15: United States vs Germany, 3:10 p.m. EST
Team Canada – Thomas Harley, a mid-season addition to last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, is now part of Team Canada’s Olympic roster. Despite a slow start this season due to injury, he has regained form and is excited to compete in front of his family while representing his Canadian heritage.
When to Watch
- Feb. 12: Czechia vs Canada, 10:40 a.m. EST
- Feb. 13: Canada vs Switzerland, 3:10 p.m. EST
- Feb. 15: Canada vs France, 10:40 a.m. EST
Team Czechia – Radek Faksa returns to international play after years away, joining an underdog Czechia squad. Known for his bottom-six stability, he aims to bring experience and a physical edge to the Olympic team.
When to Watch
- Feb. 12: Czechia vs Canada, 10:40 a.m. EST
- Feb. 13: France vs Czechia, 10:40 a.m. EST
- Feb. 15: Switzerland vs Czechia, 6:10 a.m. EST
Team Finland – The “Finnish Mafia”
- Mikko Rantanen – Joining Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund on a dominant line, wearing an alternate captain’s “A.”
- Roope Hintz – Center for the top Finnish line, bringing stability and international experience.
- Mikael Granlund – Veteran presence on Finland’s top line.
- Miro Heiskanen – Top-pairing defenseman, returning to the Olympics after missing 2024-25 due to injury.
- Esa Lindell – Heiskanen’s top-pairing partner, key on penalty kill.
When to Watch
- Feb. 11: Slovakia vs Finland, 10:40 a.m. EST
- Feb. 13: Finland vs Sweden, 6:10 a.m. EST
- Feb. 14: Finland vs Italy, 10:40 a.m. EST
Sautter notes that even without NHL games, Stars fans will be well represented internationally. The team resumes NHL play on Feb. 25 against the Seattle Kraken at the American Airlines Center.