It was early Wednesday morning when Bo Horvat’s phone rang. On the other end of the line was Team Canada General Manager Don Sweeney, who informed the Islanders forward that he was selected to represent his country at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
"I got the call early this morning,” said Horvat during a zoom meeting with reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “There are so many emotions going through my mind…pride and joy."
Horvat is having an all-star season for the Islanders, and it certainly caught the attention of Hockey Canada. He is the Isles' leading scorer with 21 goals, and adding in his 12 assists, he also leads the team with 33 total points. And, as Horvat has helped lead the Islanders to a 22-14-4 record and 48 points that places them near the top of the Metropolitan Division, the chatter grew that he was playing his way into consideration for a spot on Team Canada.
And it happened.
"I wanted it badly,” said Horvat. “I wanted to wear the Maple Leaf. It's a pretty surreal moment right now.”
After Horvat found out he was on the team, he was able to share the special moment at home with his family. In a video that the Islanders put out on their social media channels, Horvat was greeted by his three children, who congratulated him on becoming an Olympian.
“That was special,” said Horvat. “Seeing them when I came down the stairs. It’s really special to make this team and represent your country.”
Over the coming weeks, players will find out their specific roles on the team, but Horvat is just thrilled to be on the team. The opportunity to represent his country is an amazing feeling and he’s willing to do whatever Team Canada has in store for him…
…including off the ice.
“Whatever they tell me to do, I’ll do it,” said Horvat. “If it’s cleaning water bottles…I’ll do anything to be there…any role that they want me to pick up or do, I’m glad to do it.”
Horvat is one of 14 forwards named to the Team Canada roster, a group that also includes Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan Mackinnon, Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, Mark Stone, Tom Wilson, Nick Suzuki, Brad Marchand, and 2024 first overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
While Celebrini is going to Italy, 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer is not. The Islanders rookie was not named as one of the eight defensemen for Team Canada, but he is believed to be on a standby list in case there’s a player who would be unavailable to play.
Horvat received a congratulatory call from Schaefer.
"He’s reached out already and is super excited for me,” said Horvat. “It’s pretty impressive everything he’s done so far this year and how he’s handled himself. I'm sure he'll be right thing if something were to happen that he'd be the next guy to join. He’s going to be at a lot more Olympics to come for sure.”
Team Canada brought back the same eight defenseman that were on the squad for the Four Nations Face-Off last year: Drew Doughty, Thomas Harley, John Morrissey, Travis Sanheim, Colton Parayko, Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Shea Theodore.
The goalies are Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson, and the word is out: Team Canada is loaded.
"I really like the roster,” said Horvat. “It's got a great mixture of everything. size speed and skill. I feel really honored and privileged to be part of that roster."
Horvat may not be the only Islander going to Italy, either, as forwards Emil Heineman and Simon Holmstrom are candidates to be on Team Sweden, and goalie David Rittich could be a possibility for Team Czechia.
So, it’s possible that Horvat will see some familiar faces at the Olympics.
"Hopefully more guys get named,” said Horvat. “It would be really cool. I'm going to be super happy to see anybody from the Islanders there."
It’s been a terrific season for Bo Horvat and the Islanders. His play and the Isles’ success both played a role in the veteran forward’s selection to Team Canada.