Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and goaltender Jeremy Swayman have been invited to the USA Hockey's Olympic Orientation Camp in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The camp will take place August 26-27 in Plymouth, Michigan.
USA Hockey announced a roster of 44 players from 24 different NHL teams. The orientation camp is designed as an administrative and team-building event, with no formal on-ice activities planned.
McAvoy has already been named to the U.S. Olympic team, as one of the first six players selected. He joins forwards Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, and defenseman Quinn Hughes.
Swayman is in contention to be one of the three goalies selected for the final Olympic roster. He will be competing with Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger, among others. Hellebuyck recently won the Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy. Joey Daccord was also invited.
Both McAvoy and Swayman were part of Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off. McAvoy's participation was cut short due to a Grade 5 AC joint separation that developed an infection, requiring surgery and ending his season. Swayman did not play in the 4 Nations tournament but played seven games for the U.S. at the IIHF World Championships, where the team won the gold medal.
The U.S. Men's Olympic team's final 25-man roster is expected to be announced in early January. The Olympic hockey tournament is scheduled for February 11-22. The United States will compete in Group C against Germany, Latvia, and Denmark, opening against Latvia on February 11.
Besides McAvoy, other players with Olympic experience on the orientation camp roster include Patrick Kane, Ryan McDonagh, Brock Faber, Matthew Knies, and Jake Sanderson.
The Boston Bruins anticipate having multiple players participating in the international stage at the Olympics. David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha have already been selected to represent Czechia. Elias Lindholm and Hampus Lindholm are expected to be candidates for Team Sweden. Joonas Korpisalo may play for Finland, and Dans Locmelis has a chance to play for Latvia.
