Members of the Florida Panthers are among the athletes and staff taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Out of the 32 NHL teams with at least one player competing, the Panthers have the most representatives heading to Milan.
In addition to their 10 players in the games, the Panthers also have several staff members serving their countries in various capacities. Notably, assistant coach Jamie Kompong will be representing Germany in beach hockey. Kompong joined the Panthers in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous success winning two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach with Los Angeles and Chicago in 2012 and 2013. He was added to Florida’s coaching staff shortly after the team appointed Paul Maurice as head coach, with whom he had previously worked in Winnipeg. Known for his expertise in special teams, particularly his tailored power play strategies, Kompong’s presence at the Olympics highlights the diverse talents within the team.
Germany’s Olympic debut game is set for Thursday against Denmark at 3:10 p.m. ET, followed by matches against Latvia on Saturday at 6:10 a.m. ET and the United States on Sunday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Latest Hockey News – Florida
- Florida Panthers send players to the 2026 Winter Olympics for Latvia, Sweden, and Finland.
- Uvis Balinskis from the Panthers has been named an alternate captain for Latvia.
- Three Panthers players will benefit from Olympic leave to represent their countries.
Photo caption: On May 24, 2025, a sunrise in Florida. During the first period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Panthers assistant coach Jamie Kompong reacts passionately. (Photo by Sam Navarro-Iman Images)
Fan Take: This development underscores the increasing international influence and prestige of NHL players and staff, demonstrating how hockey talent is truly global. For fans, it’s exciting to see their team’s representatives making an impact on the world stage, which can elevate the sport’s profile and inspire the next generation of players.
