LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — With just two games left before the Olympic break, the Vegas Golden Knights took the ice at City National Arena on Tuesday with mixed feelings.
“It’s a tough one," VGK head coach Bruce Cassidy said." It’s on the back of your minds, you see guys out there with equipment today that’s starting to arrive for all of the players.”
10 individuals from the Knights organization are eager to represent the club on the world's biggest stage: the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
“In 1998 and we won in Nagano, I remember I would have VHS re-watching all the time because it was a big moment for our country, first time with NHL players," Tomas Hertl said.
Hertl is representing Team Czechia, while Akira Schmid is playing for Team Switzerland. The two wore their Olympic gear at practice.
“Since I was a kid, you watch it growing u,p so you always dream of playing in it," Schmid said.
Along with Schmid and Hertl, here is the full list of Knights individuals competing in Milan:
Team U.S.A.
Jack Eichel
Noah Hanifin
Team Canada
Bruce Cassidy (assistant coach)
Mark Stone
Shea Theodore
Mitch Marner
Team Czechia
Tomas Hertl
Team Switzerland
Akira Schmid
Team Sweden
Rasmus Andersson
Team Denmark
Jonas Rondbjerg
Team U.S.A. and Team Canada are making up most of the group and fueling the rivalry that reached another level at last year's Four Nations Final.
“I think last year everybody saw the intensity of it, that’s a part of the build-up," Noah Hanifin said. "It was unbelievable, it’s an honor, it’s a privilege to represent your country on any stage, but in the Olympics, it’s pretty serious, it’s cool to represent everybody and go over there.”
Before their Olympic debut, the Knights host the Canucks on Wednesday and the Kings on Thursday.
-
Stamkos’ 3-point game powers the Predators to a 4-1 win over the Golden Knights
Steven Stamkos had two goals and an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Knights in the Morning: Kaedan Korczak reflects on small-town, hockey upbringing
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Kaedan Korczak reflects on growing up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, learning the game on outdoor rinks, and adjusting to life in Las Vegas.
Luukkonen records first shutout of season as Sabres beat Vegas 2-0
The Sabres, who opened their four-game road trip with their 10th win in 11 games since the Olympic break, completed the regular-season sweep after they defeated the Golden Knights in Buffalo March 3.
Golden Knights snap 3-game slide with 6-2 win over Penguins
Vegas, which had lost six of seven, snapped a three-game losing streak that dropped them to third place in the Pacific Division.
