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A week after ice storms swept through Texas, it feels only fitting that North Texas athletes are preparing to face the elements on a global scale at the Winter Olympics.
With the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, a group of athletes from our region is ready to represent the Lone Star State on the international stage.
When you tune in February, you aren’t just watching athletes in red, white and blue; you’re seeing neighbors from Plano, McKinney and Coppell who spent early mornings perfecting triple jumps and slapshots while the rest of us were just trying to get through our daily routines.
The Ice Queens of North Texas
Leading the charge is Plano’s own Amber Glenn, a longtime member of the Dallas Figure Skating Club, one of the largest skating clubs in the country and a cornerstone of the local figure skating community. At 26, Glenn secured her Olympic spot by winning her third consecutive U.S. Figure Skating Championship in January, a victory built on years of relentless work and support from both her club and her hometown. The Dallas Figure Skating Club has celebrated Glenn’s growth for nearly two decades, recognizing her as a role model for aspiring skaters throughout the region. When Glenn takes the ice in Milan, she carries not only three national titles but also the pride and dreams of local skaters who’ve watched her rise from local rinks to the world stage.
Joining her in the figure skating ranks is Emily Chan. Though born in Pasadena, Chan’s roots run deep through Texas soil. The 28-year-old pairs skater calls McKinney home, a town that has watched her rise through the rigorous circuits of competitive skating. Chan earned her ticket to Italy following a stellar performance at the national championships. Her journey has been one of resilience; her upbringing across Texas means she knows the long drives and the early mornings that define the sport here. Watching her glide is a reminder that grace is often just muscle and determination, making it look easy.
Hockey Heroes and Heartbreaks
On the grittier side of the ice, Hannah Bilka, 24, is representing Coppell with a stick in hand, and her journey to the Olympic stage reads like a true North Texas hockey success story. Long before she wore a Team USA jersey, Bilka spent countless hours on the ice with the Dallas Stars youth hockey programs, including time with the Dallas Stars Elite Girls, a pillar for developing high-level girls’ talent in the region. These local hockey roots not only honed her skills and competitive edge but also connected her to a supportive community where the dream of reaching the Olympics felt both possible and shared. From developing her game at Shattuck-St. Mary’s to excelling at Boston College and leading Ohio State to a national title, Bilka has built an impressive resume. Now skating professionally with the Seattle Torrent, her journey reflects both individual talent and the growing legacy of North Texas hockey.
However, the road to the Olympics is rarely paved without a few cracks. We must pour one out for Frisco’s Seth Jones. The NHL defenseman was selected to anchor the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team, representing Texas on the blue line. It would have been a crowning achievement for the 31-year-old, but the cruel nature of sport intervened. A collarbone injury has sidelined Jones, forcing him to withdraw from competition. While he won’t be skating in Italy, his selection alone remains a testament to his dominance and the respect he commands in the hockey world. He is there in spirit, if not in skates.
International Stars in Our Backyard
It isn’t just Team USA feeling the Texas influence. The Dallas Stars have several key players who will be jetted off to represent their home countries on the Olympic stage.
- Finland: Team Finland is sending a remarkable quartet of Dallas Stars — defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, along with forwards Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen — to Milan. Heiskanen stands out for his elite skating and hockey sense, while Lindell is a steady, physical presence on defense. Up front, Hintz delivers speed and scoring ability, while Rantanen, who joined the Stars in 2025, brings proven championship pedigree and a dynamic offense. Together, they form a powerhouse core for the Finnish squad.
- USA: Jake Oettinger will make his Olympic debut in the goalie box for Team USA. The 27-year-old Minnesota native has become a mainstay in Dallas, known for his focus and composure in big moments.
- Czechia: Radek Faksa brings valuable experience and steady play to the Czech squad as a reliable defensive forward. With 15 points in 41 games this season, he continues to be a key contributor for both Dallas and his national team.
- Canada: Thomas Harley steps onto the Olympic stage for the first time as a defenseman for Team Canada. Harley earned his spot following key minutes during the Stars’ playoff runs and by bouncing back from an early-season injury. His selection reflects his rising profile in Dallas and the faith Team Canada has in his ability to deliver on the international stage.
It’s a proud, if slightly surreal, feeling to root for “our guys” as they don different jerseys.
How To Witness the Glory
For those of us stuck in the Central time zone, the spectacle is just a screen away. NBCUniversal holds the keys to the kingdom for the Milan Cortina Games. You can catch primetime coverage on NBC, but for the obsessives who want to see every lutz and slap shot live, Peacock is your best friend, livestreaming every event. USA Network and CNBC will also carry extensive coverage.
Live coverage of the Milan Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony will begin on Feb. 6 at 12:40 p.m. on NBC and Peacock. So, when you see the athletes’ breath fogging in the Italian air, remember: after the chill we just experienced in North Texas, that cold looks a little more familiar—but the fire fueling these Olympians was sparked right here at home.
