Horvat, Palat Reflect on Experience in the Winter Olympic Games

Bo Horvat and Ondrej Palat made memories over the last two weeks that will last a lifetime.

Both New York Islanders forwards competed in the Winter Olympic Games, Milano Cortina 2026 with Horvat taking home a silver medal with Canada while Palat represented Czechia.

"It was by far the coolest experience I've had in my life and career," Horvat said. "I'm so grateful to say I was there and be part of that team. That experience is something I'll never forget.”

"To be part of the Olympics is something I always dreamed of, every athlete does,” Palat said. “I was lucky to be part of it for the second time, and it was an amazing experience."

For Horvat, hitting the ice before the first and last games of the tournament were the most surreal.

“Coming out for that first game and during warmups… that's really when it hit me, just being a part of that, the crowd going crazy and seeing the Olympic rings,” Horvat said.  “And obviously being in that final game, coming out for warmups again, there was so much intensity and so much riding on everything.”

THE GOLD MEDAL GAME

Horvat and Canada went all the way to the gold medal game on Sunday, ultimately falling in a 2-1 OT decision to Team USA.

“It stings for sure in the moment, but at the same time, I think we should be proud of how we handled ourselves and how we played,” Horvat said. “I'm going to take that back into coming here for the Islanders. Maybe have a little chip on your shoulder for the rest of the year and try to help this team win and get to the playoffs.”

Horvat finished the tournament with two goals in six games.

Palat, who was eliminated by Canada in the quarterfinals and recorded two points (1G, 1A) through five games of the tournament, shifted his support to Horvat and was dialed into the gold medal game on Sunday.

"I was cheering for Horvat to get a gold medal," Palat said. "I was home watching it, I thought it was an unbelievable game.”

FACING OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE QUARTERFINALS 

Horvat and Palat went head-to-head twice in the tournament. The first meeting was the opening game in preliminary action, which resulted in a 5-0 win for Canada. Horvat found the scoresheet in the win for his first goal in the Olympic Winter Games. 

Their rematch in the quarterfinals had high stakes, as Canada and Czechia battled for the second time, which resulted in Canada edging out Czechia 4-3 in overtime to advance to the semis. Palat scored at the 7:42 mark of the third period to take a 3-2 lead for Czechia, but Canada found the equalizer with under four minutes to play in regulation before completing the comeback in overtime.

"I was super excited we scored the third goal, too bad we didn't hold onto the lead,” Palat said. “We battled hard."

For the Islanders cheering them on at home, it was peak entertainment.

“I was rooting for Palat as an individual, but obviously I was going for Bo and Canada,” said Mathew Barzal, a Coquitlam, BC, native . “For me personally, the outcome was great. Palat scoring a big goal getting a ton of recognition, and then for Canada to find a way to come back. It’s a once in a lifetime scenario being down like that and finding a way to win. I was rooting for him as hard as I could.”

FITTING IN FAMILY TIME

Horvat’s wife Holly and their three kids made the trip to Italy to show support and enjoy the atmosphere.

“It was great. On the days off, I got to be with them and walk around the city and enjoy the sights together,” Horvat said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces when everything was happening was super cool.”

Palat took his wife Barbora with him to Italy, and they left their children back home with their grandparents. The couple got a chance to enjoy the incredible experience together while missed the kids back home.

"We didn't have much time to sightsee, but when we did some touristy things,” Palat said.

ADJUSTING BACK TO THE NHL

Horvat said playing in the Olympics felt like "a whole different season" as there are some differences - both in the atmosphere in the NHL vs the Olympics, as well as the rink size has a difference of several feet.

“It’s weird feeling to be honest with you, it felt like a completely different season over there,” Horvat said. “Being with different team for whole two weeks and stuff, you build relationships there. So, it's different coming back, but I had time to get right back into the swing of things here. I feel good.”

PALAT TO PLAY SEVENTH GAME AS AN ISLANDER

Palat is still early into his Islanders tenure, as he was acquired on Jan. 26 with about two weeks before he traveled to Milan.

In that span, he was able to get comfortable with the guys in the room – and now upon returning, he feels a sense of routine and normalcy.

"I was traded right before the Olympics, so I got used to the guys a little bit. Now it feels like I'm coming back to a familiar team."

BACK TO THE GRIND

With an experience of a lifetime in the books, Horvat and Palat are back to pulling on the same rope.

With 24 games of the regular season remaining, they’re laser focused on doing whatever it takes to help the team win in a strong playoff push.

"Every game for us, we're battling for a playoff spot," Palat said. "Every point is important, we all know that here.