Connor McDavid, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, Bouchard Invited to Team Canada Camp as Serdachny Represents Women’s Program with Olympic Dreams

Hockey Canada has officially unveiled its invitation list for the Olympic Orientation Camps in preparation for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, and the Edmonton Oilers are proudly at the center of attention. Four core members of the Oilers — forwards Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, along with star defenceman Evan Bouchard — have received invites to the men’s camp. Meanwhile, Danielle Serdachny, a rising name in Canadian women’s hockey and an ambassador for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF), has been invited to the women’s orientation camp as she eyes a coveted spot on the Olympic roster.

The announcement, made jointly by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee, has Oil Country buzzing with pride and anticipation. With four of its own players earning Olympic consideration, the Oilers organization is being recognized not just for individual brilliance but also for the franchise’s larger contribution to the national hockey narrative.

Connor McDavid’s inclusion comes as no surprise. Widely considered the best player in the world, McDavid has long been expected to lead Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics. Although this will be his first Olympic appearance — due to NHL players not participating in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and the league pulling out of the 2022 Beijing Games due to COVID-19 — the three-time Hart Trophy winner is finally poised to don the Maple Leaf on the biggest international stage.

“I’ve dreamt of playing in the Olympics since I was a kid,” McDavid said in a statement. “To finally be getting the chance to go through this process and possibly represent Canada in Milan is an incredible honor.”

Joining McDavid is Zach Hyman, who’s coming off a career-best season in Edmonton where he scored over 50 goals and was instrumental in the Oilers’ playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final. Hyman’s gritty style, relentless forecheck, and scoring touch make him a valuable asset for any team, and he’s now firmly in the mix for Team Canada’s bottom-six forward group — if not more.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the longest-serving Oiler, also earned his call-up to the orientation camp. Known for his versatility, two-way game, and leadership, Nugent-Hopkins could provide vital depth and experience to a Canadian roster that will likely blend young stars with seasoned veterans. This would be his first Olympic opportunity, marking a well-deserved nod to his consistent performance and dedication over more than a decade in the NHL.

But perhaps the most intriguing selection from the Oilers is Evan Bouchard. The young defenceman had a breakout season, anchoring the power play and showing the kind of poise, vision, and offensive upside that has made him one of the league’s top blueliners. His booming shot and improved defensive awareness caught the eyes of Team Canada selectors, who are clearly interested in what Bouchard can bring to the international ice.

“It’s hard to describe what this means,” Bouchard said during a media scrum. “Just getting the invite means they’re watching and they believe in what I can do. If I can keep building my game, hopefully I’ll earn a spot.”

The Olympic Orientation Camp, scheduled for later this month in Calgary, is not a traditional tryout but rather a chance for players to meet with Hockey Canada officials, learn systems, build chemistry, and prepare mentally and physically for what lies ahead. NHL participation in the 2026 Games has already been confirmed, which adds more weight and urgency to the orientation process.

Hockey Canada’s men’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, emphasized that the camp is just the beginning of a long evaluation journey.

“We have an incredible pool of talent in this country, and these players are only a part of the process,” Armstrong noted. “But having guys like McDavid, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Bouchard — who’ve played deep into the playoffs and shown consistency — is critical as we begin shaping what Team Canada will look like in 2026.”

As the men’s side garners headlines, the women’s orientation camp also features a standout with an Oilers connection. Danielle Serdachny, who recently became an ambassador for the EOCF, has been invited to the women’s camp following her exceptional collegiate career and performances with Canada’s national program.

Serdachny starred for Colgate University, where she was a dominant force in NCAA women’s hockey, and has continued to elevate her game on the international stage. She was part of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship team and has rapidly emerged as one of Canada’s most intelligent, skilled forwards.

Her connection to Edmonton goes beyond hockey. As an ambassador for the EOCF, Serdachny has been active in community outreach, supporting youth programs and advocating for gender equity in sport. Her rise in Canadian hockey — and now her shot at Olympic glory — is a proud moment for both the Oilers organization and the community at large.

“It’s an honor to be part of this process,” Serdachny said. “To have the opportunity to compete for a spot on Team Canada, and to do so while representing Edmonton and the foundation, means everything to me.”

The women’s orientation camp will be held at the same time as the men’s, also in Calgary, and will feature a mix of returning Olympic champions and emerging stars. Canada’s women’s team is the reigning Olympic gold medalist, and competition for roster spots will be intense.

Hockey Canada’s women’s general manager Gina Kingsbury praised Serdachny’s development and character.

“Danielle brings a mix of skill, vision, and leadership that’s hard to teach,” Kingsbury said. “She’s not only earned her invitation through her play, but also through her dedication off the ice. We’re excited to see what she can do.”

For the Edmonton Oilers as a franchise, the dual representation at the men’s and women’s orientation camps is a testament to the culture of excellence being built both on and off the ice. It also speaks to the team’s growing influence in shaping the next era of Canadian hockey, particularly as the sport continues to evolve with a renewed focus on international competition.

Fans in Edmonton, still riding the wave of the team’s journey to the Stanley Cup Final this past spring, have one more reason to celebrate. Seeing their stars possibly represent Canada in Milan is more than just a national honor — it’s a point of civic pride.

Social media lit up with reactions to the announcement. Oilers fans flooded timelines with congratulatory messages and speculative line combos. Debates already rage about who McDavid will center, whether Hyman makes the penalty kill unit, or if Bouchard gets power-play time on a stacked defensive roster featuring names like Cale Makar and Thomas Chabot.

Sports bars across the city are expected to draw big crowds during the Games next February, especially if multiple Oilers are lacing up for Team Canada. And with Danielle Serdachny potentially joining the women’s team, the sense of unity between the NHL and women’s programs has never felt more genuine.

As the countdown to Milan begins, the Orientation Camp marks a critical first step. For McDavid, it’s a chance to finally fulfill a childhood dream. For Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Bouchard, it’s validation of their hard work and elite play. For Serdachny, it’s the beginning of what could be a breakout moment on the world stage.

And for Edmonton — the city, the fans, and the franchise — it’s a sign that the heartbeat of Canadian hockey might just beat strongest in Oil Country.