MONTREAL — Jeremy Swayman reflects on his early days playing hockey for the Alaska Jr. Aces and at South Anchorage High School, a time when he did not have access to a goaltending coach nor any goalie schools in his state. Today, he notes that there are now two or three goalie schools operating in Alaska alone. “It’s evident that there’s a growing understanding of goaltending, contributing significantly to the emergence of many talented goalies,” Swayman expressed.
Swayman is indeed among these talented netminders, as USA Hockey faces the challenge of selecting players for the 4 Nations Face-Off. This is a welcome dilemma, as the U.S. has the potential to secure a gold medal at the upcoming 2026 Milan Olympics. With top goaltenders such as Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger competing in the tournament, Swayman might not even make the roster, while elite goalie Thatcher Demko has already been left off.
Bill Guerin, the general manager, acknowledged the luxury of having numerous options, declaring, “We feel very spoiled right now with the level that the goaltending is at in the United States. Great goaltending is essential for victory, and we are fortunate to have a wide array of choices.” Jack Eichel, a leading center, remarked that it’s a “good problem to have” for coach Mike Sullivan and his coaching staff regarding the decision of who will guard the goal. Although Sullivan remains tight-lipped, it seems likely Hellebuyck, who is on track to win the Vezina Trophy for the third time in six years, will secure the starting position.
Hellebuyck reflected on his previous missed opportunities to represent the U.S. at major tournaments, stating that NHL players were not permitted to participate in the last Olympics, further complicating his chance to compete. “You never know when you will get that opportunity again, so maintaining your prime is crucial,” he explained. The reality is that Hellebuyck, Oettinger, Swayman, and Demko are all currently in their prime athletic years, making any of them capable of starting in Milan.
U.S. captain Auston Matthews shared his excitement, stating, “It’s pretty incredible to play against them; I’m glad to be on this side now. Goaltending is a crucial advantage, whether at international tournaments, the Olympics, or in the NHL. Having three of the best in the league is certainly a blessing.” This surge in talent is no coincidence; USA Hockey initiated the Warren Strelow Goalie Mentor Program back in 2008, investing in resources aimed at catching up to elite countries like Canada, Russia, Finland, and Sweden in the sport’s most pivotal position.
Oettinger, who played a key role in the Dallas Stars’ journey to the Western Conference final last year, credited the development he experienced through USA Hockey’s programs. “I participated in the Strelow camps, and I know those experiences contributed to my current position within the league. The process has helped mold me into the player I am today,” he stated.
Swayman, now in his first season as the undisputed starter for the Boston Bruins, aims to increase the representation of American goaltenders in the NHL, with hopes that 51% of NHL goalies will come from the U.S. Currently, out of 92 goalies who have played this season, only 19 are American, equating to just over 20%. However, this group also boasts strong talents beyond just Hellebuyck, Oettinger, and Swayman. Goalie Dustin Wolf has been instrumental in Calgary’s success, while Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll are helping Toronto remain competitive, and Charlie Lindgren recently led Washington to the playoffs.
Hellebuyck remains a standout, propelling Winnipeg to the top of the NHL standings and positioning himself to break the single-season wins record. “I don’t want to inflate his ego, but his capacity to think through the game and his desire for constant improvement are remarkable,” noted Kyle Connor, a teammate on both the Jets and U.S. national team. “He maintains a calm demeanor in the net, and his dedication to being the best makes him a joy to watch.”
At just 26, Swayman has noted that he was born after the U.S. last secured an international tournament victory with the NHL’s finest players—the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Despite not witnessing the performances of greats like Mike Richter, he is fully aware of the responsibility of setting a high standard for future generations. “It’s our duty, Hellebuyck’s, Oettinger’s, and mine, to continue this legacy for the upcoming crop of goalies,” Swayman emphasized, recalling how inspiring it was to watch American greats like Jonathan Quick and Ryan Miller blaze trails in the league.
With the current crop of goalies, there is potential for a bright future in U.S. goaltending. “We take great pride in our position, and we hope to keep producing exceptional goalies for the NHL. The outlook is indeed getting better every year,” Oettinger concluded.
