USA Hockey Orientation Camp for the 2026 Winter Olympics
At a recent orientation camp organized by USA Hockey for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, most of the 44 players in attendance aspire to make their Olympic debuts. Among them is defenseman Seth Jones, whose path to Milan is particularly noteworthy.
Seth Jones: A Journey of Hope and Disappointment
At the age of 30, Jones stands out as an Olympic newcomer who has previously participated in the Olympic orientation camp back in 2013 and was selected for the 2022 Olympic team, only to have his hopes dashed when the NHL pulled out of those Games just weeks prior due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jones felt a profound disappointment upon learning that the NHL would not participate, describing it as “a stab in the heart,” as competing in the Olympics is a dream for many athletes.
His journey seemed to be on track when he was one of the initial three players announced for Team USA for the Beijing Games, joining established stars like Patrick Kane and Auston Matthews.
However, the NHL’s decision meant that Jones, along with his teammates who had been set to contribute, was replaced by players from college hockey, the minor leagues, and teams in Europe. This left Jones with a transformed view of his position among U.S. defensemen, especially after watching last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off final from home.
Despite being deemed the top defenseman by USA Hockey just months prior, he wasn’t selected for the roster in February 2024.
Reflecting on the intense competition he witnessed during that championship, Jones remarked, “You want to be there playing,”
