MILAN — Bo Horvat’s Olympic Dream

Bo Horvat has always made it clear: he dreams of being an Olympian. This goal has been in his sights since last season’s disappointment. To boost his chances, he participated in the world championships as a part of Team Canada and, when asked, joked about bringing a water bottle to Milan.

What he hadn’t shared until after Canada’s practice before their Olympic match against the Czech Republic was how much missing the Quadrangle team impacted him. The pressure he felt to perform well this year was substantial.

When questioned about self-doubt, he candidly admitted, “Oh, yeah.” He reflected on the natural highs and lows of a season but emphasized how his support system — family and friends — helps keep him grounded.

Interestingly, Horvat wasn’t even the closest teammate to securing a spot on the Olympic team last year; that accolade went to Noah Dobson. Dobson seemed to be on track at the season’s start but faltered along the way. It’s hard to say just how close Horvat was to making the team, but outwardly, it didn’t seem promising.

To earn a place on this Olympic roster, he knew he needed to enhance his all-around game. Despite scoring 57 points last year, nothing felt inherently wrong, but it fell short of his own high standards — something he recognized.

“We didn’t play well enough to make that happen,” he said, expressing his aspirations of being part of the Olympic team. He aimed not just for offensive growth but to refine his overall play, balancing both attack and defense.

Horvat’s determination has significantly advanced his development, earning him a spot on one of the world’s top teams.

“Putting so much pressure on yourself can be a double-edged sword,” he acknowledged.

For Horvat, this pressure has translated into positive steps forward. He admitted, “Sometimes when I don’t play well, I get down on myself,” but he has worked on maintaining mental strength, using setbacks as motivation rather than letting them drain him.

2026 Winter Olympics

His impressive scoring start this season has certainly helped him gain attention from Team Canada. With 24 points in just 44 games, he is already nearing his total from the entire last season. Coach Jon Cooper seems to rely on more than just his scoring abilities.

During a recent practice, Horvat found himself positioned between Canadian fourth-line centers Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki, who’s a longtime friend. With Anthony Cirelli sidelined due to an injury, Horvat has stepped into his usual role on the penalty kill alongside Brandon Hagel.

“Look at his stats, look at his faceoff win percentage,” Cooper remarked, stating his value extends beyond just scoring.

The roster’s makeup means coaches won’t have to worry about other teams adapting their strategy; they want other teams to respond to them.

This situation inevitably brings its own set of expectations. Anything less than a gold medal for Canada will likely be viewed as a massive failure. Even a simple decision, like choosing to stay in a hotel instead of the Olympic Village, has generated considerable media attention in Milan.

Horvat is already embracing the pressure this year. He previously captained the Vancouver Canucks during challenging times and feels equipped to handle the expectations that come with Team Canada.

“Pressure comes in many forms throughout your career, especially in the NHL,” he reflected. “Being a captain in a Canadian city isn’t easy. This is another moment where the spotlight is firmly on you.”

“You’re expected to be part of the best team in the tournament, and with that comes pressure. We need to show up and prove ourselves.”