For the first time since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, the National Hockey League will allow players to represent their countries in Milan and Cortina. There were several reasons for the hiatus, including COVID.

A little more than a month before the Winter Olympics are set to begin in Italy, USA Hockey has announced its 25-man roster, and it includes one Dallas Star. Goalie standout Jake Oettinger.

NBC 5’s Laura Harris spoke with Oettinger just before the official announcement was made about what it would mean for him to make the team.

“For myself and for my family would be like the greatest honor of my career,” Oettinger said.

It’s not that he was a lock for the spot, but all roads were leading to this announcement. Starting back in August, when Oettinger and teammate Jason Robertson were just two of 44 NHL players selected to attend USA Hockey orientation camp. Robertson was considered for the Winter Olympic team, but was left off the list.

“That was just a cool experience. Everyone talks about it being like a distraction, but I think it’s like the opposite. It’s like one of the coolest things you could do would probably be the biggest achievement in my career so far,” Oettinger said.

With this year’s numbers in the net, he has set himself up to possibly be the starter in Milan and Cortina. He and Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets) will battle it out for the starting position.

Oettinger also participated in the 2025 4 National Face-Off, which is an international hockey tournament where the athletes are handpicked to represent their countries. For him, it was a warm-up of the big announcement to come.

Another familiar face from North Texas will also be making the trip to Italy. Arlington native Seth Jones, who now plays for the Florida Panthers, who have won back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, was also chosen to represent Team USA. He’s considered one of the strongest defensemen in the league. As of this publication, Jones has six goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 39 games on the season.

The one thing that could derail the NHL players from performing in the 2026 Winter Games is facility conditions. For months, there have been concerns that the ice facility will not be completed in enough time to be tested and ensure the safety of the players. The NHL said they are watching the situation closely and is “cautiously optimistic” that it will be done.

The last time men’s hockey won Olympic gold was the legendary run known as the “Miracle on Ice” February 22, 1980, in Lake Placid. Even though Oettinger wasn’t born when it happened, he knows what the legend means for his country and for the sport when the U.S. knocked out the Soviet Union in the medal round. A David versus Goliath for the ages.

“I’ve watched that movie and that game a thousand times. That’s exactly what it’s all about,” Oettinger said.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina begin with the opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6 on NBC 5 and streaming on Peacock.