In a significant nod to the talent developed in Southwestern Ontario, three NHL stars with deep connections to the London area have earned a spot on the prestigious Team Canada men's hockey roster for the upcoming Winter Games. Veteran defenceman Drew Doughty and forwards Nick Suzuki and Bo Horvat are among the 25 players who will don the maple leaf at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Local Talent on the World Stage
The announcement, made on December 31, 2025, solidifies the region's reputation as a hockey powerhouse. Drew Doughty, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist from the 2014 Sochi Games, hails from London. Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, a key playmaker, is from the nearby community of London, while Vancouver-born but London Knights junior hockey alumnus Bo Horvat also secured his place. Their selection highlights the pipeline of elite players that the area continues to produce for the highest levels of international competition.
Building a Gold Medal Contender
Hockey Canada's management group has assembled a blend of seasoned experience and dynamic youth for the quest to reclaim Olympic gold. The inclusion of Doughty provides a steady, winning presence on the blue line, while Suzuki and Horvat bring scoring prowess and two-way responsibility up the middle. The full 25-man roster, confirmed in the announcement, also features other notable names like breakout teen sensation Macklin Celebrini, underscoring the team's mix of established stars and fresh talent aiming for the podium in Italy.
The road to Milan-Cortina will be a focal point for Canadian hockey fans throughout 2026. For the players from the London region, this selection is a culmination of years of dedication and a chance to achieve one of sport's ultimate honours. Their journey from local rinks in Ontario to the global stage of the Olympics is a testament to their skill and the strong hockey culture that defines the area.
