00:00The Winter Olympics are here and thanks to heated rivalry, hockey is suddenly having a major pop
00:04culture moment. The buzzy series has drawn fresh eyes to the sport, blending drama, intensity,
00:10and yes, plenty of swoon-worthy stars. And just in time for the 2026 Games, Team USA is stacked
00:17with players who bring both elite talent and serious main character energy. So if you're
00:22new to hockey or just here for the vibes, here's your page 6 guide to the biggest names to know
00:27on the U.S. Men's Olympic team. Let's start with the breakout heartthrob of the NHL, Jack Hughes.
00:33The New Jersey Devil's center is one of the league's most electric young stars,
00:37known for his speed, skill, and highlight reel goals. At just 23, he's already become the face
00:43of a franchise and is expected to be a cornerstone for Team USA in 2026. And off the ice, he's
00:50generating just as much buzz. Back in December, Hughes fueled dating rumors with pop star Tate
00:56McCray. The two were spotted on a flirty New York City outing after McCray attended one of his games
01:02in Newark. The Manhattan date marked their second public hangout, following a dinner at Anton's in
01:07the West Village. So yes, Olympic caliber talent and a pop princess plotline. If heated rivalry brought
01:14you here, Jack Hughes might convince you to stay. And then there's his older brother, Quinn Hughes.
01:20The Minnesota wild defenseman is known for his elite skating and playmaking ability from the blue
01:26line. Basically, he makes defense look glamorous. If both Hughes brothers take the Olympic ice
01:32together, expect a built-in storyline that practically writes itself. Then there's Austin Matthews,
01:38arguably the most recognizable American player in the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs superstar has a
01:43heart trophy under his belt and a reputation as one of the most lethal goal scorers in hockey.
01:49Matthews brings swagger, mustache included, and he thrives in big moments. So the Olympics?
01:55That's his kind of stage. Every team needs a backbone and that's where Charlie McAvoy comes in.
02:01The Boston Bruins alternate captain plays a tough, dependable game. He can shut down top forwards and
02:07still jump into the offense when it counts. In a short Olympic tournament where every shift matters,
02:13McAvoy is the kind of steady presence coaches trust. And in net, Connor Hellebuck. The Winnipeg Jets
02:20goaltender and Vizina Trophy winner has been one of the NHL's most consistent stars for years.
02:26Calm, composed, and capable of stealing games, Hellebuck could easily be Team USA's backbone in
02:322026. Because when Olympic medals are on the line, goaltending isn't just important, it's everything.
02:38Thanks to heated rivalry, hockey is reaching a whole new audience, and Team USA's 2026 roster
02:44is perfectly cast for the moment. Elite scoring, dynamic defense, and a rock-solid goalie.
02:51And yes, a little celebrity sparkle.
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