Associated Press
Former East Palestine resident and current New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller earned a Team USA roster spot for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics on Friday.
Former East Palestine resident and current New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller has made headlines recently, securing a coveted spot on the United States men’s national hockey team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. This marks a significant achievement for Miller, as this will be his first appearance in the Olympic Games.
Miller’s journey back to the international hockey stage is noteworthy. He last represented the U.S. in the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, where his team finished as the runner-up in a fiercely contested series against Canada, held in both Montreal and Boston. Displaying exemplary skill and determination, Miller participated in all four games of the tournament, marking his first time wearing the USA jersey since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
International competitions are not new to Miller. He boasts a rich history of success on the global stage, having won a gold medal in the 2010 U17 World Hockey Challenge, a U18 World Championship in 2011, and a World Junior Championship in 2013. His impressive track record speaks volumes about his capabilities and versatility as a player.
Turning to his current season with the Rangers, Miller has played in 35 games, scoring 10 goals and assisting on 12 others. Despite encountering difficulties with a recent upper body injury, which landed him on injured reserve since December 22, he is expected to make a return by mid-January, just in time to contribute to his team’s Olympic preparations.
Miller’s NHL career began when he was drafted by the New York Rangers in 2012. After a spell with Tampa Bay Lightning, he became a key player for the Vancouver Canucks from 2019 until he rejoined the Rangers in January 2025. Over his NHL career, he has played in 906 games, netting 270 goals and providing 461 assists, marking him as one of the league’s notable players.
The Olympic men’s hockey competition is set to kick off on February 11 in Milan, with Team USA ready to face Latvia on February 12. They will also contend against Germany and Denmark in Group C. The anticipation surrounding this event is palpable among fans and players alike, especially given the stakes of representing one’s country on an international platform.
Moreover, Miller’s selection is part of a broader trend in U.S. hockey, where players from the Four Nations tournament have been reunited in preparation for the Olympics. Notable teammates like Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller, who excelled in the world hockey championship, have also made the cut for the U.S. team, reinforcing the strong chemistry developed during previous competitions.
General manager Bill Guerin emphasized the importance of chemistry as a key factor in the team’s selection process. He commended the collective effort and cohesion demonstrated by the players during the Four Nations tournament, which was pivotal in securing their spots for the Olympics.
The final menu of players predominantly comprises athletes who participated in the NHL-run international tournament, where the U.S. team showcased remarkable skill but ultimately lost to Canada in an overtime finale. One notable exclusion from the roster is Chris Kreider, alongside former Rangers star Adam Fox, who recently won the 2021 Norris Trophy. Guerin addressed the decisions, indicating they were based on a comprehensive evaluation rather than isolated incidents.
In the absence of certain established players, the selection committee has opted for a mix of experience and depth, prioritizing those who can fulfill defined roles within the team. Players like Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson have earned their place due to their reliability and understanding of the game, fitting seamlessly into the overall strategy.
Among the highlights of the roster is Seth Jones, whose performance during the last NHL playoffs showcased his shutdown capabilities, positioning him as an asset for Team USA. His ability to contribute on both ends of the rink aligns with the team’s need for versatile and robust players.
The Olympic structure allows for a broader roster of 25 players compared to the previous tournament’s 23, providing an opportunity for teams to construct a well-rounded lineup. They can dress 20 skaters, typically comprising 13 forwards and 7 defensemen, alongside two goaltenders, further emphasizing the strategic approach needed to excel in such a competitive environment.