Denmark unveils men’s roster for 2026 Winter Olympics

One of the underdog nations heading into Italy has a roster that might spook a few teams in Milan.

On Wednesday, the Danish Ice Hockey Federation revealed its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 25-man unit is ready to represent their country on the biggest stage, and potentially pull off an upset or two along the way.

Denmark might not be the favorite heading into a really talented Group C, which includes Germany and the United States, but they aren’t coming in shorthanded. Carolina Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers will bring some experience and spark to a forward group that includes fellow NHLers Oliver Bjorkstrand and the veteran Lars Eller.

Defensively, there’s plenty of experience in the European ranks with Nicholas Jensen and Markus Lauridsen. The Danes will certainly live and die by their goaltending. Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen is expected to be the starter, but don’t count out Ottawa Senators backstop Mads Sogaard from stepping up if need be.

Here’s the full roster ready to compete in the tournament next month:

Forwards: Alexander True, Christian Wejse, Frederik Storm, Joachim Blichfeld, Jonas Rondbjerg, Lars Eller, Mathias Bau, Mikkel Aagaard, Morten Poulsen, Nick Olesen, Nicklas Jensen, Nikolaj Ehlers, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Patrick Russell

Defensemen: Anders Koch, Jesper Jensen Aabo, Markus Lauridsen, Matias Lassen, Nicholas Jensen, Oliver Lauridsen, Phillip Bruggisser

Goaltenders: Frederik Andersen, Frederik Dichow, Mads Sogaard

This will be the first time NHLers will be allowed to compete at the Olympics since Sochi in 2014. This is also just the second time Denmark has ever qualified for the Olympics. The team competed in the 2022 tournament in Beijing, with the Danes finishing seventh.

Here’s Denmark’s schedule for its group stage games:

• Thursday, Feb. 12: Germany vs. Denmark, 3:10 p.m. ET
• Saturday, Feb. 14: USA vs. Denmark, 3:10 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Feb. 15: Denmark vs. Latvia 1:10 p.m. ET

The play-off round will take place on Feb. 17, with the quarterfinals taking place the following day. Both semifinal games will occur on Feb. 20. The bronze medal game will be held on Feb. 21, with the tournament culminating on Feb. 22 with the gold medal game.