A Long Night, an Early Call, and a Team Canada Dream Realized for Nick Suzuki
For Nick Suzuki, December 31, 2025, was a day etched in anticipation and ultimately, jubilation, as he was named to Team Canada's Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina. The Montreal Canadiens captain's inclusion marks his Olympic debut and fulfills a long-held dream of representing his country on the world's biggest stage.
The lead-up to the official announcement was filled with nervous energy. While the official unveiling was slated for noon on Wednesday, word began to circulate that players selected for the team had already been notified. This created a tense atmosphere for Suzuki and Canadiens fans alike, who eagerly awaited confirmation of his fate.
Adding to the suspense, an apparent leak surfaced online involving Olympic team memorabilia featuring Suzuki, further fueling speculation and excitement. The revelation intensified the scrutiny on Suzuki's performance and demeanor leading up to the official announcement.
Despite the external noise, Suzuki remained focused on his play with the Canadiens. The 26-year-old has been a standout performer this season, leading the team with 44 points in 39 games. His offensive prowess, coupled with his leadership qualities as captain, solidified his position as a strong contender for a roster spot. In the previous season, Suzuki recorded a career-high 89 points, averaging over a point per game for the first time in the NHL. From January 1 to December 31, 2025, Suzuki tallied 97 points, ranking third among Canadian NHL players, only behind Nathan MacKinnon (121) and Connor McDavid (115).
Suzuki's journey to the Olympic team reflects his consistent development and dedication to the sport. He previously represented Canada at the 2015 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, and the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. Now, he is set to join an impressive roster of NHL stars, including Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby, as Canada aims for gold in Milan Cortina.
Suzuki is one of six players named to the Olympic roster who did not participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, along with Macklin Celebrini, Bo Horvat, Tom Wilson, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson. He will be joined by fellow Canadiens teammate Juraj Slafkovsky (Slovakia) and Alexandre Texier (France).
As Suzuki prepares for his Olympic debut, he carries the hopes of Canadiens fans and the Canadian hockey community. His blend of skill, leadership, and international experience will be invaluable as Team Canada seeks to reclaim its place atop the Olympic podium. The tournament will begin with three preliminary games in each group, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals. Canada is in Group A and will face Team Czechia, Team Switzerland, and Team France in the preliminary round.
