The orientation camp rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympics are starting to be released. Canada released their camp invitations earlier in the month, while the U.S. put theirs out on Tuesday morning. As is the case for these types of lists, there is plenty of fan debate, criticism, and full out frustration over who made it and who was left off.
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Many players are being discussed as snubs from the U.S. orientation camp, including the likes of Tage Thompson, Alex DeBrincat, Brock Boeser, Nick Schmaltz, Lane Hutson, Thatcher Demko, and Dustin Wolf. Meanwhile, there were some surprising names to see on the list such as Frank Nazar, Conor Garland, Shane Pinto, Jackson Lacombe, Alex Vlasic, and goaltender Joey Daccord. One potential snub, however, who hasn’t gotten much mention, is Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz.
Stolarz Left Off U.S. List
Though he wouldn’t have been considered at all had this tournament been a year ago, there was some discussion that Stolarz was potentially playing his way onto the U.S. roster for the upcoming Olympics in Italy. By no means would have he been the starter given that they have names between the pipes such as Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger, but there may be reason to argue that he’s the third best available based on recent success.
After spending a few seasons as the backup with the Anaheim Ducks before playing behind Sergei Bobrovsky with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24, Stolarz signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Maple Leafs to work in a tandem role with Joseph Woll. The 31-year-old was more than up to the task, and was operating as the team’s number-one option before suffering a knee injury that left him sidelined for a significant period of time in December.
The injury wound up limiting Stolarz to just 34 games, though he was absolutely exceptional in his appearance. He finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 2.14 goals against average (GAA) and a .926 save percentage (SV%). In 27 appearances in 2023-24 with the Panthers, he had a very similar 2.03 GAA and a .926 SV%.
A deeper dive into his 2024-25 stats proves even further how great Stolarz was. He ranked second in the NHL to only Hellebuyck with a 31.2 goals saved above expected, and fourth in goals saved above average at 24.22. The only three goalies to rank ahead of him…
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