U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team Ready for Major Competition
MILAN – Megan Keller and other athletes from the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team have been exploring the sights of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in the days leading up to the competition, including the iconic Duomo di Milano located in the city center.
The Milan Cathedral ranks among the largest globally, standing over 350 feet tall and 302 feet wide. Its construction spanned more than six centuries, resulting in a brick and marble structure capable of accommodating up to 40,000 visitors.
It is truly awe-inspiring at first glance.
Nonetheless, a different type of excitement awaits the 23 players donning the red, white, and blue, including 12 who will be making their Olympic debuts, when the puck drops on Thursday against Czechia (10:40 a.m. ET | USA Network | Peacock) at Milano Rho Arena.
“Everyone understands the significance of competing in the Olympics and striving for gold,” Keller, participating in her third Olympics, stated. “This group is prepared to embrace that challenge.
“The excitement surrounding the Olympics is palpable; everyone is there to witness sports and see athletes compete for their nations. That feeling is incredible. Upon arrival, you can sense it in the atmosphere. Everyone is present for the Olympics, and all attention is on you. You simply get to enjoy it and compete.”
Keller was appointed to the leadership group of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team on Monday as an alternate captain. Hilary Knight will take on the role of captain, while Alex Carpenter has also been named an alternate captain.
“Gold is always the objective,” Keller remarked. “We aim to represent our country with pride, and we have one color in mind, one medal we wish to secure. We hope to achieve that. It is everyone’s dream, and our collective goal is to bring home gold for our nation.”
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Carpenter, who is also competing in her third Olympics, encourages her teammates to remember that while the stage may be larger, the game remains unchanged.
“Of course, savor the moment, but it is still hockey,” Carpenter noted. “It is still a hockey game, and you know how to play it. You have been doing it your entire life. The lights may shine a bit brighter, and there may be more spectators, but ultimately, you know how to play, and it is a very special occasion.”
Winning a gold medal is a dream Keller is grateful to have realized in 2018 at the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea – the last time the U.S. secured gold in women’s hockey.
Keller, a native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is among six returning players from the 2018 squad who are back for another opportunity at gold this month in Milan (Lee Stecklein, Cayla Barnes, Kelly Pannek, Hilary Knight, and Kendall Coyne Schofield).
“What makes the Olympics special is that it occurs every four years,” Keller explained. “You don’t get a chance every year. It becomes much more meaningful when you bring together the best athletes from around the globe across various sports. It represents the pinnacle of our sport to be able to participate in the Olympic Games.”
Knight is aware that the 2026 U.S. locker room is filled with confidence and is prepared for this moment.
“Everyone is watching and tuning in; it can create a lot of pressure at times. It is about managing that pressure and ensuring everyone feels their best to perform at their highest potential,” Knight said Tuesday after practice at Milano Rho. “We have an incredible group in that room who have been battle-tested, and we are genuinely excited for the tournament.”
John Wroblewski, head coach of the U.S. Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team, emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and one’s instincts in Milan.
"If you're feeling anxious now – if it is solely about your competition and your effort – you are in trouble," he stated Wednesday after practice. "There needs to be a significant amount of muscle memory and confidence so that you are ready to perform, rather than just compete."
Keller, along with her fellow 2018 returnees, also faced the contrasting experience of earning a silver medal at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.
“Coming up short in 2022 and knowing the feeling of winning gold in 2018, it is quite special to be part of this group. Balancing the awareness of the significance of the stage we are about to play on and representing our country, while also having trust in one another, is crucial.
“That is what we will carry into (the Olympics) – a complete trust in our teammates and in this group.”
KELLER’S ADVICE FOR YOUTH HOCKEY PLAYERS
Long before Keller represented the U.S. Women’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team, she was honing her skills in Farmington Hills, Michigan, at the Suburban Ice Arena. In 2011, Keller secured a 16U USA Hockey Girls Tier I National Championship.
“Those are memories I will always cherish, and I owe much to Michigan youth hockey for helping me reach where I am today,” Keller stated. “My advice to all the young girls entering hockey is to enjoy it. Relish the time spent with your teammates. We all participate in this sport because we love it, and it motivates us every day to come to the rink, be with our teammates, and work for one another. That is our passion.
“Whatever your passion may be, pursue it and never give up.”
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