TAMPA — When Charlie McAvoy took a look at the calendar, he realized what was possible. The Boston Bruins had their final game before the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Feb. 4, at the Florida Panthers, allowing just enough time for him to make it to Italy ahead of the Opening Ceremony.
He was in.
“I had the opportunity because we end on the 4th,” McAvoy said Saturday ahead of the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS).
“So we talked to the powers that be. Treating everything like a once-in-a-lifetime [thing]. So I’ll be there.”
The defenseman, who was one of the first six players named to the initial roster for the United States team, isn’t alone. Bruins teammates Jeremy Swayman (United States) and David Pastrnak (Czechia) will also be attending the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6, walking in, representing their countries.
“There was a conversation that happened with the players that were done on the 4th and the [U.S. Olympic Committee] and a bunch of people about interest in going,” McAvoy said. “I said, ‘Sign me up, I’ll be there.’
“Just, to me the Olympics, I think it’s one of the most special things about it is the opening ceremonies. I remember some of them, where I was with my family watching it, and just what that kind of meant. I think just to try and take it all in, how special it’s going to be.”