Olympics 2026: This is what the Blue Team could look like

One thing in advance: there are still 2026 years until the 7 Olympics in Italy. 7 years in which some players will disappear from the scene, while others could rise meteorically. A reliable prediction is therefore not possible. SportNews But crank the time machine and put together a possible Olympic squad.

goalkeeper Davide Fadani is on his way to number 1 © HC Lugano

Davide Fadani should have a permanent place in goal as long as his development doesn't stall. The 18-year-old from Milan, who just received a professional contract in Lugano a few days ago, was even put on the draft list by the NHL scouts. The current national goalkeepers Gianluca Vallini and Andreas Bernard, who will then be well over 2026 years old, could serve as replacements in 30. Verteidiger Tim Linder is a great defensive talent at HC Gröden. © A. Senoner

Current DEL professionals Thomas Larkin and Alex Trivellato could lead the defense. Jan Pavlu and Ivan Tauferer will probably still be part of the squad in Milan, otherwise there will be a big change. The hottest candidates for a place in the defense are the neo-Rittner Marco Marzolini from the Fassa Valley, Gregorio Gios, who is active in North America, and the Rittner DEL2 export Peter Spornberger. They are all in their early 20s. They could also be joined by Tim Linder from Val Gardena, who is only 17 today. striker The future belongs to HCP striker Simon Berger. © I. Foppa

The selection process on the offensive is more difficult. In addition to the current national players Alex Lambacher, Joachim Ramoser, Diego Kostner, Peter Hochkofler, Angelo Miceli, Raphael Andergassen, Ivan Deluca, and Giovanni Morini, who could play key roles with their experience, there are a number of strikers who are in front of the big one stand jump. Above all, 19-year-old Trentino native Stephan Deluca, who was named best Italian at the U2 World Cup two years ago and is currently training in Switzerland.

In addition to him, there are several South Tyroleans who are very hot Olympic candidates, such as U20 team captain Simon Berger and his Puster teammate Lukas De Lorenzo, but also the Spinel brothers Stefan and Markus, who have been in the youth national teams for a long time. HCG striker Andreas Vinatzer can also pursue a national team career with his talent and skating skills. He completes the 25-strong team SportNews -Squad for the 2026 Olympics.

From today's perspective, the focus is on current and previously older squad players such as Tommaso Traversa, but also other promising youngsters, from Pusterer Alex De Lorenzo to Unterlander Michele Covi. Not to forget, of course, the up-and-coming players Tobias Brighenti and Matthias Mantinger. Whoever develops these players, one thing is certain: the race for places in the Olympic squad has begun. The SportNews selection for the 2026 Olympics Gate: Davide Fadani, Gianluca Vallini, Andreas Bernard Defense: Thomas Larkin, Ivan Tauferer, Jan Pavlu, Peter Spornberger, Marco Marzolini, Gregorio Gios, Tim Linder Attack: Peter Hochkofler, Stephan Deluca, Markus Spinell, Stefan Spinell, Giovanni Morini, Alex Lambacher, Joachim Ramoser, Diego Kostner, Angelo Miceli, Lukas De Lorenzo Meo, Andreas Vinatzer, Simon Berger, Raphael Andergassen, Ivan Deluca

In view: Gianluca March, Maximilian Leitner, Daniel Glira, Tobias Brighenti (all defense), Alex De Lorenzo Meo, Yuri Cristellon, Manuel Öhler, Hannes Kasslatter, Maximilian Sölva, Tommaso Traversa, Michele Marchetti, Matthias Mantinger (all forward)

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Olympics 2026: This is what the Blue Team could look like

If the IOC sticks to its regulations, Italy will send an ice hockey team into the race as host of the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina - for the first time since Turin 2006. We dare to make a prediction and present the possible Olympic riders in the Blue Team.

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