The 2026 Olympic Games in Milano Cortina are shaping up to be a major moment for winter sport, and for Manitobans, there’s even more reason to watch closely.
Set against the stunning backdrop of northern Italy, the Games will bring together the world’s best athletes — including a group of competitors proudly representing Team Canada with roots right here in Manitoba. From hometown rinks to international podiums, these athletes carry local pride onto the global stage.
As the countdown to Milano Cortina continues, this list highlights the Manitoba athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics. These are the Manitobans who could make headlines, chase medals, and showcase Manitoba’s impact on Team Canada at the world’s biggest winter sporting event.
Jocelyne Larocque
Ice Hockey (Women)
Hometown: Ste. Anne, Manitoba
Jocelyne Larocque is a three-time Olympic medallist and a longtime cornerstone of Canada’s national women’s hockey program. She made her Olympic debut at Sochi 2014, helping Canada win gold, added a silver medal at PyeongChang 2018, and captured her second Olympic gold at Beijing 2022. A member of the National Women’s Team since 2008, Larocque has also enjoyed tremendous success at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, winning 12 career medals, including four gold.
A standout defenceman known for her leadership and consistency, Larocque has excelled at every level of the game. She was a two-time NCAA champion and First Team All-American at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, finishing as the highest-scoring defenceman in program history. Professionally, she has played key roles in the CWHL, the PWHPA, and now the PWHL, where she was selected second overall in the inaugural 2023 draft. Currently an alternate captain with the Ottawa Charge, Larocque remains one of Canada’s most respected and accomplished defenders heading into the 2026 Olympic cycle.
Travis Sanheim
Ice Hockey (Men)
Hometown: Elkhorn, Manitoba
Travis Sanheim is set to make his Olympic debut for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina. A steady presence on Canada’s blue line, he helped the national team capture the championship at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and previously earned a silver medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He also represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, finishing fifth.
A first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2014 NHL Draft, Sanheim has developed into a reliable NHL defenceman, setting a career high with 10 goals and 44 points during the 2023–24 season. His international résumé dates back to his junior years, where he was named the best defenceman at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championship and led all blueliners in scoring. With a strong mix of international experience and NHL success, Sanheim enters the Olympic stage as a key Manitoba-born representative for Team Canada.
Kati Tabin
Ice Hockey (Women)
Hometown: Oakbank, Manitoba
Kati Tabin’s path to the national stage is one of perseverance and passion. She made her debut with Canada’s National Women’s Team during the Rivalry Series against the United States in the fall of 2025, just a few years after stepping away from competitive hockey. After captaining Quinnipiac University in her final collegiate season and graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tabin initially retired from the game before rediscovering her love for hockey through coaching and returning to elite competition.
Her comeback gained momentum in 2022 with the Toronto Six, where she led all defenders in scoring and helped the team win the Isobel Cup while balancing a full-time marketing job. Drafted 30th overall by Montreal in the inaugural PWHL Draft in 2023, Tabin has continued to climb, combining strong two-way play with leadership. A former Team Manitoba athlete at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, she now represents both her province and Team Canada as one of the program’s most inspiring late-blooming stories.
Mark Stone
Ice Hockey (Men)
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Mark Stone is set to make his long-awaited Olympic debut for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, bringing an elite résumé of international and NHL success to the tournament. A proven performer on the world stage, Stone has won gold and silver at the IIHF World Championship, including a standout performance in 2019 when he was named tournament MVP while serving as an alternate captain. He also helped Canada capture the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off championship, adding to his reputation as a reliable leader in high-pressure games.
An NHL star and team captain, Stone was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2010 before establishing himself as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards. Now captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, he led the franchise to its first Stanley Cup championship in 2023 and is a two-time Selke Trophy finalist. A product of the Brandon Wheat Kings, Stone’s combination of scoring ability, defensive excellence, and leadership makes him a key Manitoba representative and a major presence for Team Canada heading into Milano Cortina.
