LaCombe Joins Team USA, Replacing Jones for the Olympics
The 25-year-old LaCombe, a rising star in the NHL, has been selected to join Team USA for the upcoming Winter Olympics. With 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 49 games this season, LaCombe is making a strong case for his inclusion. He was drafted 39th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft and has accumulated an impressive 91 points (22 goals, 69 assists) in 197 regular-season games.
LaCombe's selection comes as a surprise, as he did not play for the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. However, he made up for it by winning gold with the USA at the 2025 World Championships. During the Olympic Orientation Camp in August, LaCombe expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating he was enjoying the experience and taking it one day at a time.
This marks the first time since 2014 that NHL players will represent the United States at the Olympics. The tournament will feature 12 teams, with the top three group winners and the best second-place team advancing to the quarterfinals. The gold medal game is set for February 22nd.
Team USA, in Group C, will kick off their campaign against Latvia on February 12th, followed by Denmark on the 14th and Germany on the 15th. The U.S. has not won a gold medal in men's hockey since 1980, when they last triumphed in Lake Placid, New York.
LaCombe's inclusion on the team is a significant development, and his performance will be crucial to Team USA's success in the tournament. With his talent and experience, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the team's performance.
