The San Jose Sharks will have their top two centers representing their countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as Alexander Wennberg was named to Team Sweden’s roster.

While the centerman found out on New Year’s Eve, the rest of the world found out on Friday when Sweden released its roster.

“It’s amazing. So so honored, so proud. It’s really one of those, like, pinch yourself moments. It’s a hell of an honor. I’m looking forward to being a part of it,” Wennberg said after Sharks practice.

Wennberg, 31, has never represented his country on the Olympic stage. He’s played for Sweden at the World Juniors and at the World Championships three times. The San Jose Sharks’ No. 2 center wasn’t selected for Team Sweden at the Four Nations Face-Off, but used that as motivation to make the Olympics.

“The Four Nations would have been a hell of an opportunity. Didn’t [get the] chance. I mean, obviously, an opportunity for me to push a bit extra, but I mean, didn’t stop it there. I’m here to play for the Sharks,” Wennberg said. “I feel like we do whatever we can right here. If I play good hockey individually, it’s gonna help the team as well. So the focus is on the team. These things give you that validation that you’re doing something right.”

Wennberg said he’s excited to share the Olympics with his family. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofky said he feels Wennebrg has earned his way onto that roster and will help Sweden’s chances for a gold medal.

“He’s earned it. He’s played some really good hockey for us,” Warsofsky said. “He can play up and down your lineup in that tournament. He can play the wing. Understands momentum shifts in games. Understands how to impact the game with his b game, he can win face-offs.”

Wennberg says playing at the Olympics will help him stay sharp for the rest of the San Joe Sharks’ playoff push.

“It’s going to be a lot of hockey, but for me, I’m feeling really excited and really enjoying what we’re doing right now,” Wennberg said. “Play a little extra, keep warm during the break. That’s just going to help me even have a harder push. Try to take advantage of the extra ice time, extra opportunities.”

Wennberg has been a bit of an unsung hero for the Sharks this season. In 40 games, Wennebrg has scored seven goals and 19 assists. He’s been a valuable member of the Sharks’ center core and power play.

William Eklund is happy for Wennberg

Unfortunately for fellow countryman William Eklund, he was not named to the Swedish Olympic team. Wennberg felt bad for his Sharks teammate, but says his time will come.

“I love his game, and I feel like he, for sure, could be on this team,” Wennberg said. “Obviously, whoever takes up the lineup to have different views on it or not, but he’s still so young. He’s gonna have his opportunity. It’s gonna come. I understand that he’s disappointed, but like I said, he’s a hell of a player.”

As for Eklund, he is ecstatic that his Sharks teammate is headed to the Olympics.

“He’s so deserving of it. This is one of his last chances, so I was really happy for him to get that chance. I’m happy for him,” Eklund said. “He’s such a skillful offensive guy that he doesn’t get credit for enough. He’s one of the best guys [I’ve] ever seen on boards and how to protect the puck. As a young player, I would watch him a lot.”

While the Olympic rosters are exciting to discuss, it is still a long way away, and both Wennberg and Eklund know that their focus needs to remain on the Sharks’ push for the playoffs.

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