Islanders' Bo Horvat, Matthew Schaefer would relish playing for Canada in the Olympics
The Islanders' Bo Horvat playing for Team Canada during the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship match against Slovenia on May 10 in Stockholm, Sweden. Credit: Getty Images/Michael Campanella
CHICAGO — Of course, Bo Horvat and Matthew Schaefer have been thinking about Wednesday’s reveal of Team Canada’s roster for February’s Winter Olympics in Italy.
Both could be named when the 25-man roster (22 skaters and three goalies) is announced at noon. All countries must submit their list on Wednesday, though other countries have indicated they will publicly name their players on New Year’s Day or later.
“If I get a call, great,” said Schaefer, who could be the first 18-year-old to play for Team Canada since Eric Lindros in 1992. “I’m just playing with the Islanders and just focusing on this. There’s a lot of great Canadian defensemen and a lot are in the NHL. I’m just going to play my game and worry about what we’ve got going on here.
“I don’t think there’s one person in the world that would say no to their country, especially in Canada. Great hockey country. It would be such an honor and a great experience.”
Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick in June, played himself into the Olympic conversation with a sensational start to his NHL career as opposing general managers and coaches have all noted the defenseman’s maturity along with his dynamic skating and playmaking skills.
The 30-year-old Horvat is leading the Islanders in goals and points.
“It’s always in the back of your mind,” the top-line center said. “Obviously you want to be on that team and represent your country. I feel like I’ve given myself every opportunity, every chance to try and solidify a spot] and make their decision hard and give myself a chance. Whatever happens, happens. I’m just going to be proud to be a Canadian either way. If I get to be there, it would be a dream come true. At the same time, if not, there’s so many great hockey players in this country that they’re going to have a great team no matter what.”
It’s almost certain Horvat would be slotted into a bottom-six role if he makes Team Canada’s roster and Schaefer might be a depth defenseman.
The upcoming Winter Games will mark the first time NHL players have participated since 2014 in Sochi, Russia, and the sixth time overall since 1998. The NHL opted to keep its players from going to Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018 and ultimately pulled out of the 2022 Games in Beijing because of the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Horvat and Schaefer, the only Islanders to be considered potential Olympic candidates are Swedish forwards Emil Heineman and Simon Holmstrom. Both are likely long shots, though Heineman has been impressive this season in elevating himself into a top-six role after playing in a bottom-six role as a Canadiens rookie last season.
Heineman said he has not taken the time to visualize what it would be like to be playing in Italy for Team Sweden.
“No, more dreaming of it, I guess,” Heineman said. “It would be fun. Any kid dreams of playing in the Olympics. I still do.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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