NY Islanders center Bo Horvat prepares for Olympic shot and big season ahead

New York Islanders center Bo Horvat has been invited to Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, which opens later today in Calgary. For the 30-year-old veteran, the chance to compete for a spot on Canada’s roster at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan is a dream that once seemed almost unimaginable.

“I’m excited. It’s an honor to get invited to this camp,” Horvat said via an exclusive interview for NewYorkIslanders.com. “For me to be a part of that list already is pretty special. I’m going to make the most of it, have fun with it and it’ll be great to meet the guys. I’m not sure what to expect out of the camp but it’ll be good to get a feel of what it would be like if I made the Olympic team.”

Horvat vividly remembers Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in 2010, when Canada captured Olympic gold on home ice. “When I was a kid, I thought that making the NHL would be the coolest thing ever,” he said. “I never even imagined being on the Olympic team, there’s so many talented hockey players, especially in Canada. To even be named for this, it’s pretty special.”

The London, Ontario native has built a strong résumé. Over the last three seasons, Horvat ranks 22nd among Canadian forwards in scoring with 195 points (99 goals, 96 assists) in 241 games. His 56.3 faceoff win percentage is fifth among Canadians who’ve taken more than 2,000 draws.

Horvat also represented Canada at the World Championships this spring, posting eight points in six games before an ankle injury cut his tournament short. “I feel great,” Horvat said. “I feel back to normal and ready to go for the season. I’ve been skating all summer, nothing has changed there.”

For the Islanders, Horvat is expected to anchor a top line alongside old friend Jonathan Drouin, who signed with New York on July 1. “We’ve played against each other a lot growing up,” Horvat said. “To share that World Junior experience was pretty cool too. He’s a really nice guy, really talented hockey player and we’re lucky to have him.”

Looking ahead to the new season, Horvat is energized. “It’s going to be a tough camp,” he said. “With the guys we added and our lineup right now I’m excited for it. Obviously drafting first overall and getting [Matthew] Schaefer, it has propelled us… I’m excited and can’t wait for the season to start.”