The Countdown to 2026 Winter Olympics Begins
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy just around the corner, the hockey world is abuzz with excitement. Gary Bettman has already expressed his desire to allow NHL players to participate in the Games, and now, there’s talk of taking it a step further. The NHL is reportedly interested in permitting players of Italian heritage to represent the host nation, adding a new layer of intrigue to the tournament.
A Team Italy Like No Other
While it’s unclear whether the IOC and IIHF will greenlight this proposal, one thing is certain – the NHL wants to ensure that its players don’t waste their time competing against an underdog Italian team. So, what if we were to assemble a Team Italy comprised of players with Italian-sounding names? The result would be a roster that’s equal parts fascinating and formidable.
Forwards
Line 1: Frankie Vatrano (ANA) – Adam Fantilli (CBJ) – Kyle Palmieri (NYI)
Line 2: Nick Foligno (CHI) – Anthony Cirelli (TBL) – Tyler Toffoli (SJS)
Line 3: Ty Dellandrea (SJS) – Marco Rossi (MIN) – Andrew Mangiapane (WSH)
Line 4: Matias Maccelli (UTA) – Noel Acciari (PIT) – Luke Evangelista (NSH)
Extras: Matty Beniers (SEA), Vincent Trocheck (NYR)
A Defensive Unit with Flair
Pair 1: Dante Fabbro (CBJ) – Alex Pietrangelo (VGK)
Pair 2: Cody Ceci (SJS) – Mario Ferraro (SJS)
Pair 3: Marc Del Gaizo (NSH) – Victor Mancini (NYR)
Pair 4: Steven Santini (TBL) – Tony DeAngelo (KHL)
Goalie Conundrum
Starter: Roberto Luongo
Backup: Drew Commesso (CHI)
With a dearth of Italian-sounding goalies in the NHL, we’d need to coax Roberto Luongo out of retirement. Fortunately, his Olympic experience and recent stint as assistant GM for Canada’s 2022 Olympic team make him an ideal choice. Drew Commesso gets the nod as backup, bringing some South Shore flair to the team.
A Long Shot, But Worth the Ride
While a medal might be a stretch for this Team Italy, they could certainly pull off some upsets. At the very least, they’ll give Czechia or Slovakia a run for their money. So, buckle up and get ready to cheer on this unlikely squad as they take the ice in 2026.
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