MONTREAL – It was 1:30 a.m. on what was, by then, officially New Year’s Eve. The Canadiens had just pulled up to their hotel in Raleigh after a dramatic comeback win in Florida.
The place felt more like a retreat than a typical downtown stopover — tucked deep in the forest, framed by dogwood trees, with crisp North Carolina air drifting across a quiet lake. A fountain splashed in the distance, the kind of atmosphere that usually invites a perfect night’s sleep.
But not for Nick Suzuki. Not that night.
He knew that in roughly six hours, his phone could deliver the biggest call of his career — the one that would tell him whether he’d made Team Canada for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
When the sun finally rose, so did Suzuki, jolted awake by his ringtone. The rest, as they say, is history.
That morning in the team’s meal room, his teammates offered quiet congratulations, fully aware of what the moment meant to their 26-year-old captain. And when Hockey Canada made the announcement official around noon, the players who were still around for breakfast gathered behind Suzuki, cheering as they watched the confirmation come through live on his phone.
Below is an exclusive interview with the Canadiens’ captain recorded soon after receiving the call:
Please note some questions and answers were modified for clarity and conciseness.
How did you find out you were making Team Canada?
I got a phone call this morning early, at like, 8:00 a.m. So, it was a crazy night. I didn't really sleep that much, anticipating that I would hopefully be getting a phone call, and luckily, I did.
What was going through your mind when you saw your phone ringing and while you were speaking to Team Canada’s GM, Julien BriseBois?
I saw a Tampa Bay phone number calling me, so, I had a good feeling, but I didn't really know what the news was going to be. Julien told me that I was making the team, and there was a crazy amount of emotions. I couldn't be happier and proud to make that team.
What does it mean to you to be an Olympian?
It means a lot. There are so many great athletes, especially in Canada, and to experience the Olympics as an athlete will be something that's truly rare. Speaking with other guys that have been there, it sounds like an amazing time, and I can’t wait to get over to Italy.
Do you have any fond memories of the Olympics from when you were younger?
For sure. Obviously, Sid’s golden goal in 2010 and watching [Carey Price] and [Shea Weber] dominate in 2014. There are a lot of fond memories. It's a dream, and it still hasn't sunk in too much yet.
What would you like to bring to Team Canada?
I just want to be me. I think I can impact the game in many different ways, so I don't need to change the way I play. I made the team for a reason, so I just want to play my game and whatever the team needs me to do, I can do.
Suzuki and Team Canada begin their quest for gold on February 12 at 10:40 a.m. ET.
