Bo Horvat On What It Means To Make Canada's Olympic Team
Bo Horvat is ecstatic to be wearing the maple leaf at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
On Wednesday, New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat was officially named to Team Canada.
We spoke with Horvat about the honor:
Q: Hey, Bo, congratulations. I know how much this means to you and your family. Can you just tell us when you finally got that call, who called you, and what that moment felt like?
Bo Horvat: “Yeah, I actually got the call early this morning. It was Don Sweeney who called me and just said, obviously, congratulations, you made the team. There were so many emotions going through my mind — pride, joy, and, honestly, disbelief at some points. It still hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m just so honored and privileged to be in this situation. I couldn’t have done it without my supporting cast around me — my family, friends, teammates — especially this year. I couldn’t be more grateful right now.”
Q: How hard was it not to think about this throughout the season, knowing how much you wanted it?
Bo Horvat: “Yeah, I wanted it bad. I wanted to represent our country. I wanted to wear the maple leaf. I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the Islanders win, but also to make their decision tough — to make my stamp on what I could bring to Hockey Canada. Thankfully, it didn’t go unnoticed. It’s a pretty surreal moment right now.”
Q: We saw the video with your kids. What was that moment like for you and your family?
Bo Horvat: “That was special. Seeing them when I came down the stairs and how excited they were — it really puts things in perspective. Obviously, it’s really special to make this team and represent your country, but they’re the number one thing in my life. To share that with them, my wife, and everybody was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Q: Do you have any idea what your role will be on the team?
Bo Horvat: “That’ll get figured out in the coming weeks. They just told me I made it, and more details will come. But no matter what they ask me to do, I’ll do it. If it’s cleaning water bottles, I’ll do anything. Any role they want me to pick up, I’m glad to do it.”
Q: With your injury, was there any concern that it could play a factor in Hockey Canada’s decision?
Bo Horvat: “No, not once we knew it wasn’t going to be too serious. Obviously, when it first happened, I was really worried. But once we figured out it wasn’t long-term, it didn’t worry me as much. I felt like I had done everything I could up to that point. Thankfully, I was able to get back as quickly as I did, and it feels good that it wasn’t serious.”
Q: Do you have any Olympic memories growing up, and what does it mean to potentially play with Sidney Crosby?
Bo Horvat: “That’s definitely the biggest Olympic memory — I can tell you exactly where I was when Crosby scored in 2010. He’s not just a hockey legend, but a Canadian legend. To share the ice with him is going to be something special. I got to do it at Worlds, and now potentially at the Olympics — that’s really special for me.”
Q: How cool would it be to see other Islanders teammates at the Olympics?
Bo Horvat: “It would be really cool. I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the coming days, but hopefully, more guys get named. It’ll be weird playing against them, but I’d be super happy to see anyone from the Islanders there. It’s been a good year, and guys have played well enough to make these teams.”
Q: Do you think your performance at the IIHF World Championships played a role in your selection?
Bo Horvat: I really do think it helped. It didn’t hurt my cause, that’s for sure. Showing what I can do on a different stage may have opened their eyes a bit. It also showed my commitment to wanting to be on the Olympic team. I took it seriously, had a great time, and got to know a lot of the guys. I definitely think it helped.”
Q: What was your reaction to seeing the Team Canada roster as a whole?
Bo Horvat: “I really like the roster. It’s got a great mixture of everything — size, speed, skill, guys who can play anywhere in the lineup. There are so many great hockey players in Canada, and it’s an honor to be a part of it. Seeing your name on that roster is surreal.”
Q: Did Schaefer reach out to you today?
Bo Horvat: “Yeah, he’s reached out already and was super excited for me. What he’s done this year at such a young age is impressive. To be right there to the bitter end says a lot about him. If something were to happen, I’m sure he’d be the next guy in. We’re lucky to have him, and he’ll be at a lot more Olympics to come.”
New York Islanders Make Annual Hospital Visits
The New York Islanders made their annual holiday hospital visits. Players visited hospital playrooms and children’s bedside as well, distributing toys, providing autographs, and taking pictures.
The hope that Shabonov DuClair or Tsyplakov would step up and somewhat fill Palmeri’s role hasn’t happened. I’ll include Holmstrom, he has to produce more points and I think he will in the second half. No doubt about it the injuries to Palmeri and Romanov were huge blows for this team. Shabonov still has a chance to make an impact, so keep giving him ice time. I would reinsert Tsyplakov in a top six or third line role. DuClair to me has been the biggest disappointment, sure he has done the small things. However he has produced no points! Biggest need in my opinion is an offensive RHD. To me you gotta give this group a chance, especially knowing Nelson, Eiserman, and Eklund will be coming after their seasons conclude. Let’s face it outside of three teams in the Western Conference this thing is wide open! To say the Islanders can come out of the east with a few shrewd trades isn’t crazy. I certainly think that Avs 1st Rounder is in play.
Scheafer being left off the 🇨🇦 Canadian Olympic Team was short sighted and stupid in my opinion. He would have supplied a tremendous bridge for the future, while serving in a reserve role. Plus the kid would have only raised Hockey’s Profile. Typical of hockey to keep up the great tradition of fumbling opportunities to advance and promote the game! Why take an opportunity to bring in even a larger audience with this kids story. Plus he earned the spot! From an Islanders perspective it’s a great situation. The kid gets to rest and recharge over the break. I expect him to tear up the league the rest of the year. You snub this kid, you put an extra motivation on top of his skill. Darche most likely is smiling, because he knows they just stoked the kids fire 🔥 I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have a career game today against Utah. Of course he will say all the right things. I personally want to thank Team Canada 🇨🇦, it’s only going to propel this kid.