NY Islanders C Bo Horvat part of Canada orientation camp; Mathew Barzal not invited

Bo Horvat will take a step closer to wearing the red and white on Olympic ice.

The New York Islanders’ center was among 42 NHL players named to Hockey Canada’s National Men’s Team Orientation Camp, announced Thursday as part of a 92-player invite across men’s, women’s, and para hockey programs. The three-day, off-ice camp, scheduled for Aug. 26–28 in Calgary, marks the first formal step in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

While Horvat’s inclusion is a testament to his consistent two-way play and veteran leadership, the absence of his Islanders linemate Mathew Barzal was a notable omission. Barzal, 28, remains one of Canada’s most skilled forwards, but was limited to just 30 games in the 2024–25 NHL season due to injuries. Though he is expected to be healthy for training camp this fall, Hockey Canada may have opted for caution as he works his way back into full form.

The omission does not necessarily close the door on Barzal’s Olympic chances. Final rosters will not be decided until well into the 2025–26 NHL season, and Canada’s brass — including general manager Doug Armstrong and head coach Jon Cooper — emphasized that evaluations are ongoing.

Horvat, meanwhile, brings a steady presence that aligns well with Canada’s traditional Olympic makeup. The 30-year-old finished last season with 26 goals and 60 points, excelling in faceoffs and penalty-kill duties. Known for his leadership and dependable two-way game, Horvat’s experience and versatility likely helped secure his spot among the first group of invitees. He most recently played for Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship before suffering an injury.

The orientation camp roster includes Olympic veterans such as Sidney Crosby, John Tavares and Drew Doughty, along with a wave of younger stars including Connor Bedard, Cale Makar, Connor McDavid and Brayden Point. A total of 19 players invited have won the Stanley Cup, while 13 own World Junior gold medals.