The roster for the USA Hockey team, set to compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, has been officially confirmed, showcasing a strong 23-player lineup aimed at securing gold. Among the names revealed with considerable excitement on NBC’s TODAY show was 21-year-old Laila Edwards, a standout from the University of Wisconsin, whose selection signifies an important occasion for the sport.

According to a report from Just Women’s Sports on X and subsequently confirmed by an official announcement, Edwards is set to make history as the first Black woman to represent the United States in Olympic hockey. She said afterward, “It still hasn’t really kicked in yet. Getting that call is like a dream come true. Always had dreams of playing in the pros, but the biggest dream was to go the Olympics, for sure.”

This significant milestone marks yet another achievement for Edwards, who made her senior national team debut in 2023. In that year, she made history as the first Black woman to represent the U.S. women’s senior national team. A year later, she asserted her dominance at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship, topping the tournament’s scoring charts and earning the title of Most Valuable Player at the age of just 20 – the youngest American to win this honor.

On the ice, her towering 6-foot frame, coupled with an exceptional mix of power, speed, and hockey expertise, makes her a versatile asset for Team USA. And her worth is clearly recognized by her teammates. “Laila’s such a bright star, she does everything right on and off the ice, and so it’s really a privilege to be able to be one of her teammates and to see her grow,” said veteran captain Hilary Knight in a recent statement.

Edwards also once reflected on the significance of representation in sports, demonstrating a mature understanding of its impact. During an interview, she remarked that although her early achievements were thrilling, they merely intensified her drive for success.

“The most impactful one is probably being the first Black woman on the national team,” she said. “The success after is important, too, because I think representation matters. For folks to see someone at the level is one thing, but then to also see them succeed at that level is another step greater.” As the Winter Olympics approach, Edwards will be heading to Italy with a team that has already demonstrated their prowess on the ice.

This USA Hockey team is shaping up to be something special

The USA Hockey team, featuring only 11 returning players from the silver-medal-winning squad of 2022, has been intentionally crafted to embody a younger and faster mentality. Coach John Wroblewski has undertaken a significant roster overhaul aimed at reclaiming the speed that characterizes modern hockey.

However, at the head of this combination of seasoned experience and emerging talent is 36-year-old captain Hilary Knight, whose selection for her fifth Olympic Games establishes a new American standard. Knight, a gold medalist from 2018 and a three-time silver medalist, serves as the cornerstone of the team, bringing her seasoned composure to the forefront, having declared that this will be her last Winter Games.

Top Stories

Cowboys Fire Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus: Contract, Salary, NFL Earnings & More

Ross Chastain Labels NASCAR Driver “The Most Punchable Face” to Excuse Himself Over Punchgate Controversy

10 Biggest NFL Draft Busts of the Last Decade, Including Trey Lance and Justin Fields

Andy Reid Sets Record Straight on Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Future As Retirement Question Continue to Mount

Commissioner Steve Phelps Quits NASCAR Days After Getting Exposed in Lawsuit Trial

Arman Tsarukyan Back in Play as Justin Gaethje Staph Infection Rumors Causes Fan Panic Before Paddy Pimblett Fight

In addition to Knight, fellow Olympians such as forward Kendall Coyne Schofield and defender Lee Stecklein, both set to compete in their fourth Games, contribute a resilient backbone to the team.

This experience is crucial, yet the team’s evident drive is deeply anchored in more recent events. The Milano-Cortina Games welcome a team not only regarded as favorites but also one that arrives with remarkable momentum behind them.

The defending world champions, having triumphed over Canada in a gripping 4-3 overtime victory last April, also delivered a commanding performance in the latest Rivalry Series, decisively sweeping their archrival with an impressive 24-7 aggregate score across four matches.

The recent triumphs have cultivated a shared belief that this squad is capable of seeing the challenge through to its conclusion, which is capturing that gold medal.