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U.S. Women's Hockey Roster Revealed for Milan-Cortina Olympics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 4:18 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Milan-Cortina, Italy - February 19, 2026 - The United States women's national hockey team has unveiled its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, signaling a determined push to reclaim Olympic gold. USA Hockey announced the highly anticipated team list on Wednesday, showcasing a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers poised to compete on the world's biggest stage. The team enters the competition riding the momentum of a dominant gold medal victory at the 2023 World Championship, coupled with a hard-fought silver medal finish at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The announced roster is a testament to the growing depth and talent within U.S. women's hockey. The team features a core of established stars, including forward Hilary Knight, a perennial threat and one of the most decorated players in international hockey history. Knight's experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team navigates the pressures of Olympic competition. Alongside her are fellow veteran forwards Alex Carpenter, Brianne Decker, and Kendall Coyne Schofield, all proven performers capable of changing the course of a game.

A Look at the Roster Breakdown:

Forwards: Alex Carpenter, Annie Pankowski, Brianne Decker, Cayley Mercer, Eve Cleary, Gigi Marvin, Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kourtney Kunz, Lauren Pleger, Megan Keller, Olivia Zmuda.

Defensemen: Caroline Harvey, Caitlin Mulligan, Danielle Burkett, Ella Hayes, Jesse Compher, Kate Gogov.

Goalies: Aerin Frankel, Ann-Renee Desbiens, Hunter Brzustewicz.

While experience forms a significant portion of the roster, USA Hockey has also strategically included a wave of rising stars. Players like Caroline Harvey on defense represent the next generation of American hockey talent. Harvey, known for her exceptional skating and puck-moving abilities, is expected to play a key role in transitioning the play from defense to offense. The inclusion of younger players demonstrates USA Hockey's commitment to building a sustainable program that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

The goaltending position appears solid with the selection of Aerin Frankel and Ann-Renee Desbiens. Both netminders have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure and will likely share the starting duties throughout the tournament. The addition of Hunter Brzustewicz provides depth and potential for the future.

Challenges and Competition:

The road to Olympic gold will be challenging. Canada remains the U.S.'s fiercest rival, boasting a similarly talented and experienced roster. Finland and Sweden are also emerging as strong contenders, consistently challenging the North American powerhouses. The U.S. team will need to rely on its depth, tactical flexibility, and unwavering determination to overcome these obstacles.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The hockey tournament promises to be a highlight of the Games, with fans eagerly anticipating the intense competition and captivating storylines. The U.S. women's hockey team arrives with a clear objective: to bring home the gold and solidify their position as a global leader in the sport. With a roster brimming with talent and a proven coaching staff, they have the potential to achieve just that. The team's journey will be closely followed by fans across the nation, as they strive to create another memorable chapter in the history of U.S. women's hockey. Beyond the competition itself, the Milan-Cortina Games represent an opportunity to showcase the growth and increasing popularity of women's hockey worldwide, inspiring future generations of athletes. The team is expected to begin training camp in the coming weeks, fine-tuning their systems and preparing for the challenges ahead.

For fans eager to follow the team's progress and stay informed about the 2026 Winter Olympics, comprehensive schedules, event details, and television coverage information can be found on various sports news outlets. The excitement is building as the Games draw nearer, and all eyes will be on the ice as the U.S. women's hockey team pursues its Olympic dreams.