Hellebuyck, Fox among 44 players invited to USA’s men’s Olympic hockey orientation camp

On Tuesday, USA Hockey revealed the 44 players invited to the U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp. The two-day camp will take place in Plymouth, Mich., from Aug. 26-27.

The event will have no on-ice activities, as it’s more of an administrative and team-building camp.

Among the big names, the ‘First Six’ included Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy, and brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk. All but Hughes played for the red, white and blue at the 4 Nations Face-Off this past February, with Matthews captaining the team to a second-place finish. However, Matthew Tkachuk will not be in attendance in Plymouth.

22 of the 44 names on the list played at the in-season international exhibition a few months ago. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin played a surprisingly important role on the team. New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox put on a good showing in the event, while Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck further established himself as one of the best goaltenders in the world.

Five players previously have Olympic experience. Red Wings forward Patrick Kane and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh were on the U.S. team in 2014, the last year NHLers participated at the Winter Games. Minnesota Wild defender Brock Faber, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies and Ottawa Senators rearguard Jake Sanderson were on the American squad that competed at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.

There are a dozen players who played key roles in helping the United States win the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship – the nation’s first title in the event in 92 years. Among the notable names from that team, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, Utah Mammoth forward Clayton Keller and Buffalo Sabres sniper Tage Thompson look to compete for spots on the Olympic team.

The Americans will be hoping they can take home the team’s first medal at the Olympics since their run to the Silver in Vancouver in 2010, and potentially their first gold medal since 1980. The opening round in Milano-Cortina begins on Feb. 11, with the gold medal being handed out on Feb. 22.