The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are shaping up to be something special. One of the most compelling narratives heading into the tournament is age, or rather, how little it seems to matter for some of hockey’s biggest names.
Here’s a look at the 10 oldest hockey players set to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics, led by one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Age Is Just a Number for Hockey Icons Chasing Olympic Glory
1) Roman Červenka – Team Czechia
At 40, Roman Červenka heads to Milano Cortina as Team Czechia’s captain and one of the tournament’s most seasoned veterans. Now with Dynamo Pardubice, he’s set for a rare fifth Olympic appearance. While his NHL time was limited to 39 games with Calgary in 2012-13, his impact in European hockey has been enormous, and Czechia will rely heavily on his leadership.
2) Pierre-Édouard Bellemare – Team France
For Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, the Olympics represent a lifelong dream finally realized. At 40, the French captain is making his Olympic debut.
Bellemare has represented France at 12 IIHF World Championships and played over 700 NHL games during a decade-long career with the Flyers, Golden Knights, Avalanche, Lightning, and Kraken.
3) Moritz Müller – Team Germany
The 39-year-old German defenceman has spent his entire professional career in Germany’s top league with Köln and continues to anchor the national team.
READ MORE: Oilers Star Leon Draisaitl’s Team Germany Captaincy a ‘Passing of the Torch,’ per Insider
Müller captained Germany to silver at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and again at the 2023 World Championship. With appearances in 12 World Championships and international tournaments dating back to the 2005 World Juniors, he remains a cornerstone of German hockey.
4) Reto Berra – Team Switzerland
At 39, Reto Berra brings veteran poise to Switzerland’s crease. A three-time World Championship silver medalist, he starred in the 2013 run with a semifinal shutout vs. the U.S. and logged 76 NHL games from 2013-18.
5) Sidney Crosby – Team Canada
No list like this would be complete without Sidney Crosby. At 38, he remains the gold standard for leadership and big-game performance.
READ MORE: Sidney Crosby Addresses Pressure of Winning Gold in What Could Be His Final Olympics
Crosby is Canada’s most decorated player, having captained all three Triple Gold Club victories and, most recently, the 4 Nations Face-Off championship team. A two-time Olympian, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and owner of one of hockey’s most iconic moments, the golden goal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Crosby’s presence alone raises Canada’s ceiling.
6) Morten Poulsen – Team Denmark
At 37, veteran forward Morten is appearing in his second straight Olympics. Currently playing for the Herning Blue Fox. Poulsen was part of Denmark’s historic run to the semifinals of the 2025 World Championship, the best finish in the country’s history. He also helped guide Denmark to its first-ever Olympic appearance in 2022.
7) Dustin Gazley – Team Italy
Dustin Gazley has become a fan favorite in Italy, and at 37, he’s set to represent the host nation on Olympic ice. Since joining Bolzano HC in 2020, Gazley has reached near-legendary status, scoring over 100 goals for the club.
Before his European success, Gazley played college hockey at Michigan State and spent eight seasons in the AHL.
8) Brad Marchand – Team Canada
Brad Marchand’s Olympic journey continues at age 37, now as a member of Team Canada while playing for the Florida Panthers. He contributed to the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. He was also a driving force behind Canada’s championship run at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. A Stanley Cup winner with both Boston (2011) and Florida.
9) Kaspars Daugaviņš – Team Latvia
Kaspars Daugaviņš is a cornerstone of Latvian hockey, having captained the team to its first-ever World Championship bronze medal in 2023. After a brief retirement in 2024, he returned to help Latvia in the 2026 Olympics, adding to an already rare four-Olympics career (2010, 2014, 2022, 2026).
10) Leonardo Genoni – Team Switzerland
Leonardo Genoni closes the list as one of Europe’s elite goaltenders. At 38, the EV Zug star has three World Championship silvers, a 2025 MVP and Best Goalie award, and seven Swiss titles to his name.
