Boston native Noah Hanifin named to Team USA for 2026 Winter Olympics
Boston hockey has another reason to be proud.
Noah Hanifin, a Boston native and current defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, has been named to the United States men’s national ice hockey team roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, USA Hockey announced Thursday.
The Milano Cortina Games will mark Hanifin’s first Olympic appearance, a major milestone in an already impressive NHL career. He will be joined on the U.S. roster by Golden Knights teammate Jack Eichel, giving Vegas two key contributors on Team USA’s blue line and forward group.
For Boston hockey fans, though, this moment hits closer to home.
From Boston rinks to the Olympic stage
Hanifin was born in Boston in 1997 and developed his game in one of the country’s strongest hockey pipelines. He attended Saint Sebastian’s School, where he cracked the varsity lineup as an eighth grader, an early signal of the elite talent that would follow.
After fast tracking his education, Hanifin went on to play at Boston College, becoming one of the youngest players in Eagles history at just 17 years old. His time in Chestnut Hill helped cement his reputation as a poised, high IQ defenseman capable of handling top competition well before most players his age.
Now, nearly a decade into his professional career, that same Boston born defenseman is heading to the Olympics.
A cornerstone defenseman in Vegas
Currently in his first full season with the Golden Knights, Hanifin has quickly become one of the most relied upon players on Vegas’ blue line. Through 28 games this season, he has recorded 14 points with two goals and 12 assists while averaging 23:36 of ice time per game. That ranks second on the team behind Shea Theodore.
Earlier this week, Hanifin logged 29:59 of ice time against Nashville, the highest single game total of his 11 year NHL career. It was another reminder of how trusted he has become in high pressure situations.
Vegas clearly views him as a long term anchor. After acquiring Hanifin in a three team trade in March 2024, the Golden Knights signed him to an eight year, $58.8 million extension just weeks later.
Team USA experience and international success
While this will be Hanifin’s first Olympic appearance, international play is nothing new for him. He has represented the United States at multiple levels, including the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge, the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships where he helped Team USA win gold, and the 2015 World Junior Championships.
More recently, Hanifin played for the U.S. at the 2025 4 Nations Face Off, helping the Americans reach the championship game before falling to Canada in overtime. He has also competed in three IIHF World Championships and spent the 2013–14 season in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
Team USA will open Olympic play on Thursday, Feb. 12 against Latvia.
Boston pride on a global stage
Hanifin may wear gold and black in the NHL, but his roots remain unmistakably Boston. From local prep school standout to BC Eagle to Olympic defenseman, his path reflects the city’s deep hockey culture and ability to produce elite talent.
As the puck drops in Italy next February, Boston will be watching closely.
Noah Hanifin bio
Noah Hanifin (born January 25, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. He was drafted fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and has also played for the Calgary Flames. Hanifin was named to the United States men’s national team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
