Team Canada players get news on Olympic roster

Before Team Canada announced its roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday, players got the news directly from general manager Doug Armstrong.

NHL teams were quick to post videos of the players hearing the good news on social media, sharing some heartwarming moments.

The Washington Capitals are sending two players to Italy for the Games – the first two players to represent Team Canada in franchise history: forward Tom Wilson and goalie Logan Thompson.

Wilson got the call on Wednesday morning from Armstrong in front of his Christmas tree, with his wife, Taylor, filming and his one-year-old son, Teddy, helping him celebrate.

Wilson looked to be in disbelief when getting the news, flashing his wife a thumbs up during the call.

“I don’t know what to say,” Wilson said. “Thank you so much. I’m obviously so happy and you know I’ll do whatever it takes. I’m really excited to start this journey and get going.”

Thompson also got the call from Armstrong on Wednesday morning, just a few hours before the Capitals hosted the New York Rangers.

"Thank you very much. I won’t let you guys down," Thompson said in the social media video posted by the team. "I'm just really excited and I’ll give you guys everything I’ve got."

Before puck drop, Wilson and Thompson's Capitals teammates learned the exciting news in the locker room.

Meanwhile, in New York, Islanders forward Bo Horvat got a surprise from his kids Gunnar, Tulsa, and newborn Lainey, with special signs to congratulate their dad on the honor.

Gunnar and Tulsa held up congratulatory signs and gave Horvat a big hug to show their support.

In Montreal, Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki took to social media to share a message for fans after he learned that he made the Olympic roster.

"Just found out I made Team Canada this morning," Suzuki said. "Wanted to thank you for all your support and boost of confidence and cheering me on. I can't wait to put on the Canadian jersey and hopefully bring home a gold medal for you guys."

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley got the news from Stars general manager Jim Nill, who is serving as the assistant GM for Team Canada during the Games

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim had the honor of calling his parents to break the good news to them.

"I got the call," Sanheim said to his mom on the phone. "So we're going to Italy."