Maine on the World Stage: These Former Black Bears are Headed to the 2026 Olympic Hockey Tournament

We are quickly approaching the 2026 Winter Olympics, and I couldn’t be more excited.

The Winter Olympics tend to feel like the ugly stepchild compared to the Summer Games, yet I find them much more appealing.

This is where we get to see incredible events like alpine skiing, bobsled, speed skating, and even curling (which you could literally do with a cigarette and a beer). For some, this is the only time they will witness these sports over the next four years.

However, the true monster of the Winter Games is the hockey tournament—especially now that the NHL is allowing players to participate.

When Does the Olympic Hockey Tournament Begin?

Twelve men’s teams and 10 women’s teams will compete for gold, beginning with round-robin play on Thursday, February 4. The women’s medal games take place on Thursday, February 19, with the men’s medal games finishing out the Olympiad on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22.

Unlike the pro game, these matchups feel far more meaningful, considering it’s country vs. country. There’s nothing like when the United States takes on Canada, or a Scandinavian battle between Sweden and Finland. It’s what sports are all about.

Here in Maine, we’ll have a strong connection to the Olympic hockey tournament this year thanks to our largest college, the University of Maine. Both the men’s and women’s programs will be represented by numerous alumni who have been named to Olympic rosters.

What Former University of Maine Hockey Players are Competing at This Year's Olympic Games?

Let’s take a closer look at those headed to Milan.

Jeremy Swayman — Goalie — Team USA
I don’t think I need to explain who this guy is. Swayman has been one of the best American goalies in the NHL since entering the league in 2020, and he just so happens to play for the hometown Boston Bruins.

Swayman played three seasons at Maine, collecting 47 wins for the Black Bears. He also won the NCAA Goalie of the Year Award in 2020.

Eduards Tralmaks — Forward — Team Latvia
This former Black Bear joins one of the up-and-coming countries in the hockey world. Latvia continues to improve, as does Tralmaks, who currently plays in the AHL for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Tralmaks played four years in Orono, scoring 39 goals and adding 43 assists. This will be his first Olympic Games, though he has represented Latvia before, including at last year’s World Championships.

Ida Kuoppala — Forward — Team Finland
The former Maine standout will make her Olympic debut this year with Finland. She recently helped her home country earn a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships.

Kuoppala played five seasons with Maine, registering 67 goals and 59 assists. She ranks second in program history with 126 points.

Rahel Enzler — Forward — Team Switzerland
Enzler is gearing up for her second Olympic Games with Team Switzerland. She played in all of the games at her previous Olympics, including the team’s loss to Finland in the bronze medal match.

Enzler was a four-year player in Orono, recording 49 career points.

Vendula Přibylová — Forward — Team Czechia
This Czech forward has spent a significant amount of time on the national team, including multiple World Championships. However, this will be her first trip to the Olympic Games.

Přibylová played four seasons for the Maine women’s team, scoring 60 total points during her career.

Tereza Vanišová — Forward — Team Czechia
This will also be Vanišová’s first Olympic appearance, though she brings plenty of international experience. She is currently playing in the PWHL with the Vancouver Goldeneyes.

Vanišová had a monster career at Maine. She is the program’s all-time points leader with 129 points and won numerous conference awards along the way.

READ MORE: Maine's Cooper Flagg Named NBA Rookie of the Month Yet Again

Best of luck to all of these players—especially Swayman and the Czechs (I’m Czech-American, what can I say?)—at the Games. Hopefully, we’ll see them all make a major impact on the Olympic stage.