Key Takeaways
- Jackson LaCombe, a 25-year-old defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks, has been named to Team USA’s roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
- LaCombe is the third-youngest defensemen and fifth-youngest player to be named to Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
- He will be making his first Olympic appearance and fourth international appearance for the United States.
- LaCombe joins five other Anaheim players who will be participating in the Olympics, including Lukas Dostal, Radko Gudas, Leo Carlsson, Mikael Granlund, and Damian Clara.
- The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from February 11-22, with Team USA opening play against Latvia on February 12.
Introduction to Jackson LaCombe
Jackson LaCombe, a 25-year-old defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks, has been named to Team USA’s roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This will be LaCombe’s first Olympic appearance and fourth international appearance for the United States. He is the third-youngest defensemen and fifth-youngest player to be named to Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. LaCombe joins a long list of Ducks players who have represented Team USA at the Olympics, including Cam Fowler, Ryan Whitney, Troy Terry, Bobby Ryan, and Guy Hebert.
LaCombe’s International Experience
LaCombe has had a successful international career, helping Team USA win gold medals at the 2025 World Championship and 2021 World Junior Championship. At the 2025 World Championship, he scored 2-3=5 points and ranked third among tournament leaders with a +11 rating, helping the United States win its first gold medal in 92 years. He also represented his country at the 2018 U-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and earned one assist in six tournament games at the 2021 World Junior Championship. LaCombe’s experience and success on the international stage make him a valuable addition to Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Olympics.
LaCombe’s Career with the Anaheim Ducks
LaCombe has been a key player for the Anaheim Ducks this season, collecting 6-25=31 points in 49 games. He leads the team’s defensemen in points, assists, and time on ice per game, and is third in assists and fifth in points among all Ducks players. LaCombe signed an eight-year contract extension with the Ducks on October 2, 2025, and has recorded 22-69=91 points and 62 penalty minutes in 197 career NHL games. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 14-29=43 points with an even rating in 75 games, ranking tied for seventh among all NHL defensemen in even-strength goals and 11th in goals.
LaCombe’s College Career
Before joining the Anaheim Ducks, LaCombe played for the University of Minnesota, where he recorded 19-80=99 points with a +53 rating and 47 penalty minutes in 140 career NCAA games. He helped the Golden Gophers reach the 2023 NCAA championship game as a senior in 2022-23 and led Minnesota defensemen in points and goals in each of his final three seasons. LaCombe’s success in college paved the way for his transition to the NHL, where he has become a key player for the Ducks.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from February 11-22, with 12 teams competing in the tournament. The teams will be divided into groups and will play three preliminary games each, with the three group winners and the best second-place team earning a bye into the quarterfinals. The other eight teams will play single-elimination games to determine the other four quarterfinalists. The gold medal game will be held on Sunday, February 22. Team USA will open play against Latvia on February 12, with the game airing live on USA Network and streaming live on Peacock.
Conclusion
Jackson LaCombe’s selection to Team USA’s roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. With his experience and success on the international stage, LaCombe is sure to be a valuable asset to Team USA as they compete for gold in the Olympics. The tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with the best hockey players from around the world vying for the top prize. With LaCombe and the rest of Team USA’s roster, the United States has a strong chance of bringing home the gold medal.