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NY Islanders Bo Horvat and Ondrej Palat are wheels up for Milan and the 2026 Winter Olympics

ByMichael Stahurski|
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Jan 24, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) skates with the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jan 24, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) skates with the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

After 12 years without NHL players participating in the Olympics, we're just five days away from the action getting started. When the rosters for the games were announced, only one NY Islanders player was named to wear their nation's colors, as Bo Horvat was selected to Team Canada. But after the acquisition of Ondrej Palat, they'll now have two, as the newest Islander will represent Czechia.

It'll take no time at all for the two to see each other, with both competing in Group A, as Canada and Czechia open up against one another on Wednesday.

Horvat and Palat are headed to Milan

Heading into the games, the Canadians are the undeniable favorites to have the Gold Medal draped around their necks. Horvat, who leads the Islanders in goals with 23, won't be looked upon to fill the net as he has with the Islanders. With goal scorers galore, it's expected that Horvat will play more of a checking-line role and contribute on the penalty kill, two areas of his game he excels in even when he's not scoring.

The Czechs' expectations aren't nearly as high, but they could be a threat to take home a medal. With David Pastrnak leading the way and Lukas Dostal in net, the Czechs could surprise some teams in the knockout stages of the tournament. Palat will bring veteran leadership and experience to the lineup

Though most NHLers have no expericnce playing in the Olympics, Palat is one player who can say they do. Named to the Czech squad for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Palat and the Czechs finished third in their group, falling to Sweden in the first knockout game. Palat played in all four games but failed to register a point.

Dates and times

Canada

Thursday, Feb. 12, vs Czechia, 10:40 am (USA, CBC)
Friday, Feb. 13, vs Switzerland, 3:10 pm (NBC Sports, CBC)
Sunday, Feb. 15, vs France, 3:10 pm (USA, CBC)

Czechia

Thursday, Feb. 12, vs Canada, 10:40 am (USA, CBC)
Friday, Feb. 13, vs France, 10:40 am (USA, CBC)
Sunday, Feb. 15, vs Switzerland, 6:10 am (USA, CBC)

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