Switzerland's Nico Hischier is one of the NHL stars who shared his favourite Olympic memory with IIHF.com.
photo: © INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION / MATT ZAMBONIN
With just days to go until the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament, it’s worth remembering that the talented players competing in Milan were once fans themselves.
Everybody has childhood memories of watching big Olympic games on TV, dreaming of wearing their national team jersey. In some cases, they were inspired by great athletes in other sports. From rivalry showdowns to Olympic swan songs, there is no shortage of magic moments to look back on.
IIHF.com caught up with some of the NHL stars heading to Milan and asked them to talk about their favourite Olympic memories.
Alexander Wennberg – Forward, Sweden
San Jose Sharks
I would say Sweden winning the gold medal in '06. I think that’s a memory – I was about 12 years old – that’s always going to be one of the highlights. I would say you take a little bit of pride against the Finns. At the end of the day, it didn’t matter who they beat, but it’s a little bit more fun when you beat your little brother.
Moritz Seider – Defence, Germany
Detroit Red Wings
I think you’ve got to be honest: the Summer Olympics with Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps is probably the greatest Olympic thing that happened [in my experience]. In 2018 at the Winter Olympics, Germany winning the silver medal, I think it doesn't get any better than this.
Everybody has childhood memories of watching big Olympic games on TV, dreaming of wearing their national team jersey. In some cases, they were inspired by great athletes in other sports. From rivalry showdowns to Olympic swan songs, there is no shortage of magic moments to look back on.
IIHF.com caught up with some of the NHL stars heading to Milan and asked them to talk about their favourite Olympic memories.
Alexander Wennberg – Forward, Sweden
San Jose Sharks
I would say Sweden winning the gold medal in '06. I think that’s a memory – I was about 12 years old – that’s always going to be one of the highlights. I would say you take a little bit of pride against the Finns. At the end of the day, it didn’t matter who they beat, but it’s a little bit more fun when you beat your little brother.
Moritz Seider – Defence, Germany
Detroit Red Wings
I think you’ve got to be honest: the Summer Olympics with Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps is probably the greatest Olympic thing that happened [in my experience]. In 2018 at the Winter Olympics, Germany winning the silver medal, I think it doesn't get any better than this.
Anton Lundell – Forward, Finland
Florida Panthers
In hockey, seeing Sidney Crosby's golden goal [in 2010] was very special. Overall, Usain Bolt’s time, when he was sprinting and winning gold every time he was running, pretty much, I think that's what I remember from the Olympics.
Florida Panthers
In hockey, seeing Sidney Crosby's golden goal [in 2010] was very special. Overall, Usain Bolt’s time, when he was sprinting and winning gold every time he was running, pretty much, I think that's what I remember from the Olympics.
Lucas Raymond – Forward, Sweden
Detroit Red Wings
Not hockey-related, but just watching Usain Bolt run. It was really cool the way he set all the records and won the records. [In hockey], I saw Sweden lose in the 2014 Olympic final, so I wouldn't say it's a good memory, but still a memory.
Detroit Red Wings
Not hockey-related, but just watching Usain Bolt run. It was really cool the way he set all the records and won the records. [In hockey], I saw Sweden lose in the 2014 Olympic final, so I wouldn't say it's a good memory, but still a memory.
Niko Mikkola – Defence, Finland
Florida Panthers
Probably Turin 2006 with Finland against Sweden in the finals. There's always some rivalry between the Finns and the Swedes.
Nico Hischier – Forward, Switzerland
New Jersey Devils
I think as a young hockey fan in Switzerland, I remember when Crosby was scoring that OT goal. It was pretty impressive to see how excited the fans were, everyone in Canada and in Vancouver.
Roope Hintz – Forward, Finland
Dallas Stars
Obviously watching Finland play, and the last Olympics when Finland won, I had a couple of friends there, so that was really cool.
Miro Heiskanen – Defence, Finland
Dallas Stars
Probably 2014, Teemu Selanne's last game in the national team [with two goals in a 5-0 bronze-medal win over the U.S.]. That's probably the one I remember the most.
Florida Panthers
Probably Turin 2006 with Finland against Sweden in the finals. There's always some rivalry between the Finns and the Swedes.
Nico Hischier – Forward, Switzerland
New Jersey Devils
I think as a young hockey fan in Switzerland, I remember when Crosby was scoring that OT goal. It was pretty impressive to see how excited the fans were, everyone in Canada and in Vancouver.
Roope Hintz – Forward, Finland
Dallas Stars
Obviously watching Finland play, and the last Olympics when Finland won, I had a couple of friends there, so that was really cool.
Miro Heiskanen – Defence, Finland
Dallas Stars
Probably 2014, Teemu Selanne's last game in the national team [with two goals in a 5-0 bronze-medal win over the U.S.]. That's probably the one I remember the most.