Para Ice Hockey: USA Aim for Sixth Gold at Milano Cortina 2026 | Team Preview
MILAN, Italy – The quest for Paralympic gold in Para ice hockey is set to ignite at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, , at the newly constructed Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The tournament promises a compelling blend of speed, physicality, and emotional narratives as eight of the world’s premier teams battle for supremacy.
The single-venue format is designed to amplify the intensity, creating a high-stakes atmosphere throughout the nine-day competition. Teams will be divided into two preliminary-round groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. The remaining teams will compete in classification games to determine placements from fifth to eighth.
USA Seeks Unprecedented Fifth Consecutive Gold
Leading the charge will be the United States, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Paralympic gold medal in Para ice hockey. Team USA has established itself as the sport’s dominant force, consistently demonstrating elite scoring prowess, disciplined defensive strategies, and exceptional goaltending. Their record speaks for itself: six World Championships titles and five Paralympic golds. The last time the Americans failed to reach the pinnacle of Paralympic competition was two decades ago, in , in Italy – a fact that adds a layer of intrigue to their return to the nation.
The American roster boasts a wealth of experience, headlined by five-time Paralympian Josh Pauls. His leadership and championship pedigree are invaluable to the squad. Joining Pauls are four-time Paralympians Declan Farmer, Jen Lee, and Brody Roybal, each bringing veteran poise and offensive firepower. Newcomers Kayden Beasley and Liam Cunningham will make their Paralympic debuts, injecting fresh energy into the team.
🗣️ “Every Paralympian has overcome a lot in their life and what is really cool about the #Paralympics is it is a collection of people from all kinds of different backgrounds,” says Declan Farmer is one of the biggest names in #ParaIceHockey. https://t.co/oD0qUjT5Z2
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) February 26, 2026
Roster at a Glance
Forwards: Kayden Beasley, Brett Bolton, Travis Dodson, David Eustace, Declan Farmer, Malik Jones, Kevin McKee, Joshua Misiewicz, Evan Nichols, Brody Roybal
Defenders: Liam Cunningham, Noah Grove, Josh Pauls, Landon Uthke, Jack Wallace
Goaltenders: Griffin Lamarre, Jen Lee
Historical Dominance
Team USA’s Paralympic Winter Games history is a testament to their sustained excellence:
- : Gold
- : Gold
- : Gold
- : Gold
- : Bronze
- : Gold
- : 6th place
Josh Pauls: A Veteran Leading the Way
All eyes will be on Josh Pauls, a cornerstone of Team USA for over a decade. His grandfather’s roots near Naples, Italy, add a personal connection to this year’s Games. In his 17th season, Pauls brings unparalleled championship experience, composure, and a relentless competitive spirit. At the Beijing Games, he became the all-time U.S. Leader in Paralympic appearances with 19 games played, a record he will undoubtedly extend in Milan.
Opening Matchup: USA vs. Italy
The Americans will kick off their campaign against the host nation, Italy, on . This matchup is particularly compelling, as Italy seeks to build upon their bronze-medal finish from two decades ago on home soil. Both teams are expected to navigate initial jitters before delivering a captivating performance for what promises to be a fervent crowd. The opening game will be a crucial test for both teams, setting the tone for their respective journeys through the tournament.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are poised to showcase the remarkable athleticism and unwavering determination of Para ice hockey athletes, with Team USA aiming to continue its reign as the sport’s dominant force.