From Orono to the Olympics: Two Former University of Maine Hockey Players Bring Home Medals

What an incredible two weeks of sporting prowess we just witnessed.

An argument can certainly be made that this was one of the best Winter Olympics we have ever seen. Just storyline after storyline of incredible accomplishments, country pride, and unforgettable moments.

The Winter Olympics is always special because we get to witness so many sports that are nowhere near mainstream here in America, like biathlon, curling, bobsled, and ski jumping. For some, this is the only time they will watch these sports over the next four years.

However, the true monster of the Winter Games was — and really always is — the hockey tournament, especially now that the NHL is allowing players back. And boy, did we have two incredible tournaments.

The 2026 Olympic Hockey Tournament was a Huge Success

Both the women’s and men’s gold medal games came down to overtime between the United States and Canada. And both went the way of the Stars and Stripes, making it so, so sweet. It’s always fun to beat your rival, especially in the sport they cherish the most. Heck, it’s a religion up there, and we walked away with gold in both.

We were lucky here in Maine to have such a strong connection to this year’s Olympic hockey action, thanks to our largest college, the University of Maine. Both the men’s and women’s programs were represented by numerous alumni who were named to Olympic rosters. And two of those players managed to come home with some hardware.

What Former University of Maine Hockey Players Won Medals at this Year's Winter Olympics?

Congratulations to Rahel Enzler, a forward who plays for Team Switzerland. The Swiss came home with the bronze medal after a dramatic 2–1 overtime win over Sweden.

This was Enzler’s second Olympic Games with Team Switzerland. She played in all of the games at her previous Olympics, including the team’s loss to Finland in the bronze medal game.

Enzler finished with one goal and one assist in the tournament, with both points coming in the knockout phase.

Enzler was a four-year player in Orono, recording 49 career points.

Congratulations to Boston Bruin Jeremy Swayman, who is bringing home gold with Team USA after an amazing 2–1 overtime win against Canada.

Swayman got one start for the U.S. in the preliminary round, saving 18 of 21 shots against Denmark in a 6–3 win. He served as the primary backup the rest of the way.

Swayman played three seasons at Maine, collecting 47 wins for the Black Bears. He also won the NCAA Goalie of the Year Award in 2020.

READ MORE: 4 New Englanders Win Gold Medals in Ice Hockey Winter Olympics

Congrats to the four other former Black Bears who competed but did not win medals: Eduards Tralmaks (Latvia), Ida Kuoppala (Finland), and Vendula Přibylová and Tereza Vanišová (both of Czechia).