VANCOUVER — Several players from the Boston Bruins are preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games, expressing pride and excitement at the opportunity to represent their countries. During a practice session at the University of British Columbia, David Pastrnak humorously offered teammate Morgan Geekie, a Canadian from Strathclair, Manitoba, a spot on Czechia‘s Olympic hockey team. While Pastrnak’s jest was lighthearted, it underscored the camaraderie among teammates as they gear up for the competition.
The Bruins had a full roster during their practice, which took place on the eve of their match against the Vancouver Canucks. Among the six Olympians on the ice, Hampus Lindholm (Sweden) and Geekie (Canada) were strong candidates but did not make the final rosters. Bruins coach Marco Sturm, who has experience coaching the German national team, acknowledged the difficulty of selecting players for the Olympic squad.
Sturm noted that while Geekie should feel proud to be a candidate, Lindholm might be feeling a bit disappointed but remains hopeful. He mentioned that injuries could still affect the final roster decisions in the coming weeks. For example, a recent injury to Bo Horvat, a forward for Team Canada, could create an opportunity for other players.
The excitement among those selected for their national teams was palpable. Elias Lindholm, set to make his Olympic debut, reflected on the significance of representing one’s country. “As a young kid, following the national team, the NHL was a long shot,” he said. “You remember players like Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg playing for the national team.”
Defenseman Charlie McAvoy, named to the Team USA roster months ago, expressed that the reality of competing in the Olympics has finally sunk in. “We’re here. We’re close now,” he stated, recalling his childhood memories of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, which sparked his interest in Olympic hockey.
McAvoy cited the iconic 1980 miracle on ice, where the U.S. team, captained by Mike Eruzione, defeated the Soviet Union en route to gold. He shared how he often imagines himself in that moment, stating, “It’s still surreal for me.”
Goalie Jeremy Swayman also shared his excitement, recalling the pivotal call from Team USA general manager Bill Guerin. “At the end, he said it was a no-brainer,” Swayman noted, emphasizing his commitment to proving his worth on the ice. Last season, he helped lead the U.S. to its first World Championship gold medal in 92 years and will join fellow Hockey East alumni Jake Oettinger and Connor Hellebuyck in Italy.
Another player preparing for the Games is defenseman Henri Jokiharju, who received his call from Team Finland on December 26, 2023. He described the news as a “good Christmas present,” highlighting the personal significance of being selected.
The Olympic Games promise to reignite longstanding rivalries, particularly between Canada and the United States. For the German team, Sturm noted that their rivalry with Switzerland is especially fierce due to geographical proximity. He humorously acknowledged the complexities of such rivalries, saying, “For some reason, I would say, we always hate each other… When we have a chance to beat them, it feels pretty damn good.”
As the Bruins players prepare for the upcoming Games, their enthusiasm and pride in representing their countries are unmistakable. The Olympics not only serve as a platform for showcasing athletic talent but also as a celebration of national identity and unity.
