Canada GM Doug Armstrong reveals Sam Bennett’s reaction after being left off 2026 Olympic roster

Team Canada General Manager Doug Armstrong offered candid remarks following the announcement of the country’s 25‑man men’s ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina, a list that notably excluded Sam Bennett despite his recent contributions to the national program.

On Sportsnet 590 The Fan, Armstrong detailed his conversations with players who did not receive an Olympic invitation. He said that they personally reached out to players from the Four Nations Face‑Off who did not make the Olympic squad and Bennett handled the news with professionalism and grace.

“And Sam was very difficult. Not surprisingly handled like a true gentleman and a pro,” he said.

Armstrong noted that Bennett remains eager to be part of the process should an injury open a spot.

“And, you know, wants to be part of the process if there is an injury. But it was very hard, because he did… he did a great job for us last year,” he added.

Bennett is so far having a decent campaign this season with 13 goals and 16 assists in 39 games. Last year, he was a key contributor to Canada’s 2025 Four Nations Face‑Off championship where he scored the game‑tying goal in the final versus the United States.

---

Doug Armstrong explained Bo Horvat’s inclusion over Sam Bennet

While Sam Bennett was left off the roster, New York Islanders alternate captain Bo Horvat earned a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic squad.

During the same segment, Armstrong mentioned that Canada was looking for players who could contribute in specific roles, particularly faceoffs and defensive responsibility and Horvat’s versatility fit the team’s objectives.

“This year's team, we were looking to go a different direction with some of the things that we learned, some of the things that we wanted. And positionally, we wanted a player like Horvat on the team who can bring some ability to a top faceoff guy that can play,” Armstrong said. “He’s played wing with the top players at the Worlds, just a different type of player. And the hard part is, exactly what you said, that it's leaving guys off. And I really, too, I really do believe that no one played their way off this team. It's just the 25 that we decided to select.”

The decision to include him and other versatile forwards like Nick Suzuki, while strong contributors at the Four Nations and elsewhere, ultimately squeezed out other candidates like Bennett when filling the limited forward spots.

Horvat brings significant international experience having represented Canada at two IIHF World Championships in 2018 and 2025, recording four goals and four assists in six games in 2025, plus earlier junior and U‑18 international tournaments.

This season for the Islanders, Horvat has been productive offensively with 21 goals and 12 assists in 35 games placing him among Canada’s top goal scorers, while also excelling in key situational play. His faceoff winning percentage (around 57.7%) also ranks among the best of Canadian skaters and he contributes consistently on both the power play and penalty kill.

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama

Edited by Anjum Rajonno