Winter Olympic Ice Hockey Rosters: Who’s Suiting up for the Big Show in Milan? Part Four.

Part Four.

In the final part of the Winter Olympic ice hockey rosters series, we will be taking a look at host nation Italy, Denmark and France. As we get closer to the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Italy, Denmark and France will not have players of NHL pedigree but the majority of their squads play in the highest level of European hockey. The skill level and build up going forward will be executed to a good standard, as individual efforts alone will struggle to break down the giants they will face at this year’s tournament.

Italy

Italy are set to hit the ice as hosts at Milan-Cortina 2026, bringing an extra layer of excitement for both players and fans alike. While there aren’t any NHL veterans on this roster, Italy’s lineup still boasts some impressive credentials—goalie Damian Clara and defenceman Thomas Larkin were both selected in NHL drafts by the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets. The team is overseen by the Federazione Italiana Sport del Ghiaccio, a proud member of the International Ice Hockey Federation, ensuring that Italy’s campaign will be to international standards but with plenty of hometown spirit.

Forwards

The Italian forward group features a mix of domestic and European talent, including Matthew Bradley, Tommaso De Luca, Cristiano DiGiacinto and Luca Frigo, all of whom play for HC Bolzano. Mikael Frycklund, Dustin Gazley and Nick Saracino are key contributors for HC Val Pusteria, while Diego Kostner and Tommaso De Luca represent Ambrì Piotta. Daniel Mantenuto and Dustin Gazley also reinforce Bolzano’s offensive depth. Giovanni Morini and Marco Zanetti lace up for HC Lugano, with Alexander Petan adding experience from Olimpija Lubiana. Tommy Purdeller strengthens the Val Pusteria contingent, and Alessandro Segafredo brings flair from ZSC Lions Zurigo. Together, this group promises to bring energy and skill to Italy’s Olympic campaign.

Defence

The Italian defensive corps is anchored by a group of seasoned players, including Dylan Di Perna and Jason Seed from HC Bolzano, alongside Gregory Di Tomaso, Daniel Glira and Luca Zanatta who all represent HC Val Pusteria. Thomas Larkin brings his experience from Schwenninger Wild Wings, joined by Alex Trivellato from the same club. Phil Pietroniro adds international flavour from Rytiri Kladno, ensuring the blue line features a blend of homegrown and European talent primed for the Olympic stage.

Goaltenders

Italy’s goaltending trio is led by Damian Clara, who plays for Brynäs IF, supported by Davide Fadani of Kloten and Gianluca Vallini from HC Bolzano. This group brings a combination of international experience and domestic reliability to the team’s last line of defence.

Denmark

Denmark has announced its men's ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, featuring key NHL players such as Nikolaj Ehlers, Oliver Björkstrand, and goaltender Frederik Andersen. The squad, aimed at making a strong showing, is led by experienced veterans and a mix of European league talent. This combination of NHL pedigree and domestic strength gives Denmark a well-rounded roster, capable of competing with the tournament's best and bringing an added level of excitement to their campaign.

Forwards

The Danish forward line-up features a diverse blend of talent drawn from both the NHL and prominent European clubs. Mikkal Aagaard represents Skelleftea, while Mathias Bau brings his skills from Herning. Oliver Bjorkstrand, lacing up for the Tampa Bay Lightning, is joined by Joachim Blichfeld from Tappara and Nikolaj Ehlers of the Carolina Hurricanes. Lars Eller, currently with the Ottawa Senators, adds further NHL experience. Oscar Fisker Molgaard contributes from Coachella Valley, and Nicklas Jensen plays for Rapperswil-Jona. Nick Olesen comes from Motor Ceske, with Morten Poulsen also representing Herning. Jonas Rondbjerg features for Henderson, while Patrick Russell and Frederik Storm both play for Kölner Haie. Alexander True joins the mix from JYP Jyväskylä, and Christian Wejse adds depth from Fischtown. This forward group combines international experience and dynamic skill.

Defence

The Danish defensive line-up includes Jesper Jensen Aabo, who plays for Klagenfurt, and Nicholas B Jensen, representing Fischtown. Anders Koch brings his talents from Graz 99, while Matias Lassen features for Iserlohn. Markus Lauridsen adds strength from Pustertal, with Oliver Lauridsen competing for TPS Turkku. Rounding out the group, Phillip Bruggisser also represents Fischtown, ensuring a solid and internationally experienced blue line for Denmark's Olympic campaign.

Goaltenders

The Danish goaltending group is headlined by Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, with Frederik Dichow from HV71 and Mads Sogaard, who plays for Belleville, providing additional depth between the pipes.

France

The French men’s national ice hockey team has a longstanding presence on the international stage, having competed in the IIHF European Championships, IIHF World Hockey Championships, and the Olympic Games. As of 2016, France held the 14th position in the IIHF World Rankings, a testament to the team’s competitive spirit and growth within the global hockey community.

The squad is overseen by the Fédération Française de Hockey sur Glace, which is committed to developing the sport and ensuring a strong foundation for French ice hockey. Featuring a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, the French team consistently demonstrates determination and skill, making them a respected contender in international tournaments.

Forwards

The French forward line-up showcases a group of players competing across various European and North American leagues. Justin Addamo represents Jukurit, while Pierre-Édouard Bellemare brings his experience from Ajoie. Charles Bertrand plays for Sport, with Louis Boudon also featuring for Jukurit. Kévin Bozon dons the jersey of Ajoie, and Stéphane Da Costa distinguishes himself at Yekaterinburg. Aurélien Dair and Sacha Treille both play for Grenoble, and Floran Douay takes the ice for Lausanne. Dylan Fabre is part of the Ässät roster, while Jordann Perret represents Mountfield. Anthony Rech plays for Rouen, Nicolas Ritz joins from Angers, and Alexandre Texier has signed with the Montreal Canadiens. This group of forwards blends international experience and dynamism, offering France valuable depth in competition.

Defence

The French defensive line features players such as Yohann Auvitu, who plays for Vitkovice, Jules Boscq with Hämeenlinna, Enzo Cantagallo from Marseille, and Florian Chakiachvili representing Rouen. Pierre Crinon suits up for Grenoble, Hugo Gallet competes for Kupio Kalpa, while Enzo Guebey brings his talents from Davos. This defensive corps draws on experience from a variety of European leagues, adding depth and resilience to the French national team.

Goaltenders

Among the goaltenders, Julian Junca plays for Dukla Michalovce, Antoine Keller is with Ajoie, and Martin Neckar represents Langnau. These players add further strength and versatility to the French goaltending roster.