The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games have officially come to a close and the San José Sharks are welcoming back four players who represented their countries on hockey’s biggest international stage.
Leading the way was center Macklin Celebrini, who starred on Team Canada with the most goals out of any Olympian this year, with five goals while also recording five assists in six games.
Celebrini and Team Canada advanced to the gold medal game, but fell 2-1 to Team USA on Sunday. The Americans captured their first Olympic gold medal since 1980 after center Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal with 1:41 remaining in overtime.
Celebrini made history as the youngest player ever to represent Canada in Olympic men’s hockey, competing as a 19-year-old.
Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky praised the group’s performance and highlighted the impact each player made for their respective countries.
“What’s so special about it is how well they all played. (Philipp Kurashev) played some really good hockey,” Warsofsky said. “Regenda scored some really big goals for that team. Wennberg was playing some really big minutes in a role that we similarly see him in, playing against top teams’ top lines and had a really good tournament.”
Warsofsky added that the experience should benefit Celebrini as he transitions back to National Hockey League play.
“Great experience for him to go through. I think he’s excited to kind of turn the page and get ready to help the Sharks,” Warsofsky said.
Left-winger Pavol Regenda represented Team Slovakia, recording five points in six games. Slovakia fell 6-1 to Finland in the bronze medal game Feb. 21.
Center Alexander Wennberg competed for Team Sweden, which reached the quarterfinals before losing 2-1 in overtime to the United States on Feb. 18. U.S. defenseman Quinn Hughes scored the game-winning goal.
Wennberg said the early exit was difficult, but valued an opportunity to compete in a tournament full of skilled players.
“Obviously we were expecting to fight a little longer than we did,” Wennberg said. “We played a good team in the U.S., but overall it’s a great experience. What a tournament, the whole experience with the best on best. So a lot of good things coming, but right now it’s still a bit bitter.”
Center Philipp Kurashev represented Team Switzerland, tallying one goal and one assist in four games. Switzerland also reached the quarterfinals, where it lost 3-2 in overtime to Finland on Feb. 18.
For Kurashev, the Olympic experience extended beyond the ice.
“The opening ceremony, I think just being around the village and the other athletes and also getting to experience it with my family there. I didn’t really see them all year, so it was a fun time off the ice as well,” Kurashev said. “I think we made memories for our lives.”
While four Sharks were overseas, the rest of the roster used the Olympic break as a reset, treating it like a miniature training camp ahead of the team’s return to practice last Wednesday.
Young players such as center Will Smith, who is tied for second on the team in scoring with Sharks’ newest trade pickup, left wing Kiefer Sherwood, who both have 17 goals.
Smith said he was focused on development during the break.
“There’s a lot of goals I have for myself, getting stronger, getting faster and I think that’s gonna come,” Smith said.
The Sharks return to the ice on Thursday when they host the Calgary Flames at 7 p.m. at SAP Center.
