Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Hockey Canada Finalizes Olympic Roster: Bo Horvat In, Matthew Schaefer Left Off

Canada prioritized its trusted 4 Nations defense group to keep Matthew Schaefer off the initial 25.

Overview

  • Hockey Canada announced its 25-man roster on Dec. 31, confirming Bo Horvat’s first best-on-best selection for Milan 2026.
  • Horvat’s case was strengthened by eight points at the World Championship and 21 goals in 35 NHL games this season.
  • Matthew Schaefer, 18, was not named and is likely on a nonpublic standby list for potential injury replacements.
  • Canada retained all eight defensemen from the 4 Nations Face-Off, a continuity move that narrowed opportunities for rookies.
  • The standby window runs until Feb. 5 as the NHL pauses for the Games, and Sweden is set to reveal its roster Jan. 2 for Islanders hopefuls Emil Heineman and Simon Holmstrom.