USA Hockey’s 2025 National Team Orientation Camp begins today, Aug. 26, in Plymouth, Michigan, and runs through Aug. 27 (USA Hockey, 2025). The two-day event is focused on administration and team building, with no on-ice sessions or public activities scheduled. Forty-four players representing 24 NHL teams will take part as preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina continue.
Forwards Lead the Way
Up front, Team USA brings a forward group loaded with firepower. Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy were already named among the first six roster selections earlier this summer (USA Hockey, 2025). Matthews headlines the orientation camp alongside dynamic stars Jack Hughes, Kyle Connor, Jason Robertson, and Jake Guentzel.
One notable absence is Matthew Tkachuk, who underwent offseason surgery after playing through injuries during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and is expected to miss the start of the NHL season. Although named as one of the first six Olympic selections, he will not participate in the camp.
Veteran leaders Patrick Kane and Chris Kreider bring valuable international and Olympic experience, while younger forwards like Logan Cooley, Frank Nazar, and Matthew Knies add speed and creativity. Combined, the forwards give Team USA a blend of high-end scoring, skilled playmaking, and physical presence.
Strength on the Blue Line
On defense, the Americans balance mobility with stability. Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes leads a group that also features Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy, and Zach Werenski. Veterans Seth Jones, Ryan McDonagh, and Jaccob Slavin bring size and shutdown ability, while Jake Sanderson, Brock Faber, and Luke Hughes highlight the youth movement on the back end.
Many of these defenders arrive with recent international momentum. Twelve players who helped the United States capture gold at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship — the program’s first in 92 years — are part of the camp, including Werenski, Sanderson, Brady Skjei, Alex Vlasic, Jackson LaCombe, and Faber (USA Hockey, 2025).
Goaltending Depth
The goaltending pool offers both proven experience and rising talent. Connor Hellebuyck, one of the NHL’s most consistent netminders, anchors the group. Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman bring playoff-tested ability, while Joey Daccord adds depth following a standout performance at the World Championship.
Building Toward 2026
It’s important to note that the U.S. National Team Orientation Camp is less about competition and more about preparation. The two-day event focuses on administration, team-building, and logistics rather than on-ice drills. Players meet with staff, attend seminars, and begin forming the chemistry that will carry into the 2026 Winter Olympics.
USA Hockey emphasized that attending camp is not required to make the final roster. The camp’s real value lies in building relationships, setting expectations, and ensuring that when the full roster is finalized in January, the group is already aligned on culture and identity. This means the names on this roster represent more than just depth charts—they’re the foundation of a team designed to bring Olympic success back to the United States.
SOURCE: USA Hockey. (2025, August 20). U.S. men’s Olympic orientation camp roster announced; Event set for Aug. 26–27 in Plymouth, Mich. Team USA.
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