Montana’s Jake Sanderson Headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics With Team USA

The 2026 Winter Olympics taking place in Italy are set to begin on Friday, February 6. The world will come together to compete in one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.  

The first weekend of the Olympics overlaps with the Super Bowl this year, which is taking place on Sunday, February 8. It’s going to be an exciting weekend for sports fans.  

READ MORE: Montana’s Jake Sanderson Playing For Team U.S.

One of the things that will make the Olympics a bit more exciting this year is the inclusion of NHL players in international hockey competitions. One of Montana’s own will be competing for Team USA. 

Defenseman Jake Sanderson, of the Ottawa Senators, will be representing the U.S. and Montana at the Olympics. Sanderson, who was born in Whitefish, has been in the NHL since 2022.  

From Whitefish to the NHL

This isn’t the first time Sanderson has represented the U.S.; he was a member of the U.S. squad when they competed in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Sanderson scored one goal in the two games he played in that tournament. Sanderson also represented Team USA at the 2021 IHF Junior Championships. 

The U.S. hasn’t won an Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980. According to ESPN, the U.S. team has adopted a ‘gold or bust’ mindset this year. As for sports betting, Canada currently is favored to win the gold, but the U.S. isn’t far behind. 

NHL Players Return to Olympic Ice

As the NHL takes a break for the Olympics, while players can represent their countries, there will be a lot of eyes on the games, including mine. I will be rooting for Sanderson, Team USA, and Montana.