Saskatchewan's Olympic Contingent: Athletes and Staff Head to 2026 Winter Games
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are set to commence this week, with a total of 207 Canadian athletes preparing to compete under the maple leaf in Italy. Among this impressive delegation, Saskatchewan is proudly represented by six athletes, alongside several coaches, support staff, and officials who hail from the province. The Games officially kick off on Friday, with closing ceremonies scheduled for February 22.
Team Canada's Composition and Saskatchewan's Role
Team Canada boasts a diverse mix of experience and fresh talent for the 2026 Winter Olympics. In total, 90 athletes are returning from the 2022 Games, 43 from 2018, 13 from 2014, and eight from 2010, while 109 athletes will be making their Olympic debut. Ontario leads the provincial representation with 58 athletes, followed by Quebec with 49, Alberta with 46, and British Columbia with 33. Saskatchewan contributes six athletes, highlighting the province's ongoing commitment to winter sports excellence.
Meet Saskatchewan's Olympic Athletes
Emily Clark — Hockey
Emily Clark, a 30-year-old from Saskatoon, is a seasoned Olympian heading to her third Winter Games. She is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won gold in 2022 and silver in 2018 with Canada's women's hockey team. Clark's impressive resume also includes three gold, five silver, and one bronze medal from world championships. Currently playing with the PWHL's Ottawa Charge, she aims to add to her collection of accolades in Italy.
Darcy Kuemper — Hockey
Darcy Kuemper, a 35-year-old Saskatoon native, is set to make his Olympic debut as one of three goaltenders on Canada's men's hockey roster. Since being selected in the 2009 NHL draft, Kuemper has played 474 career NHL games with teams like the Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals. He previously won gold with Team Canada at the 2021 world championship.
Ben Hebert — Curling
Ben Hebert, 42, originally from Regina and now residing in Calgary, is embarking on his third Olympic journey after competing in the 2018 and 2010 Games. He claimed gold in his Olympic debut alongside skip Kevin Martin. Now playing lead with skip Brad Jacobs, Hebert looks to add another medal to his resume, which includes five Brier titles and two world championships.
Mark McMorris — Snowboard
Mark McMorris, a 32-year-old from Regina, enters the Games with three Olympic bronze medals to his name. He will compete in slopestyle and big air, aiming for gold this year. McMorris won his first bronze in 2014 in the Olympic debut of slopestyle, Canada's first medal at those Games. He added bronzes in 2018 and 2022, alongside a record 24 X Games medals.
Supporting Roles from Saskatchewan
Beyond the athletes, Saskatchewan is well-represented by coaches, support staff, and officials who play crucial roles in Team Canada's success. Their expertise and dedication contribute to the overall performance and morale of the team, ensuring that athletes from the province and across Canada have the resources needed to excel on the international stage.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a thrilling event, with Saskatchewan's contingent poised to make significant contributions to Canada's medal hopes and sporting legacy.
