Seed to Play for Hosts at Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
Carleton Ravens men's hockey alumnus Jason Seed will play for Italy at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Carleton Ravens men's hockey alumnus Jason Seed will play for Italy at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Seed becomes the first Carleton Ravens men's hockey alumnus to go on to be named to the Olympic Winter Games.
An Ottawa native, Seed played four seasons with Carleton after a QMJHL career that saw him win two league championships and a Memorial Cup with Saint John. Seed began his QMJHL career with Gatineau before being traded to Saint John. He'd play his 20-year old season in Summerside of the MJAHL, once again winning a league championship.
During Seed's time at Carleton, the team made two appearances at the U SPORTS University Cup tournament in 2014 and 2016.
Since turning pro, the 6'1" defenceman quickly moved from France2 to Poland before settling in Italy after five seasons. Seed continued his winning ways in France, helping Briançon capture the France2 championship. In his final year in Poland, Jason led all defenseman in assists and points.
In 2023-24, Seed made his international debut, joining Italy for 18 international matches, including five games at the 2023-24 World Hockey Championships Division 1A. It was also in 2024 that Seed's career flourished as he led the league in goals by a defenceman en route to an Italian Supercup championship.
Seed moved to HC Bolzano ahead of the 2024-25 season and continued his international play, adding 16 more international games to his resume, helping Italy capture a D1A silver medal and earn promotion to this spring's World Hockey Championship top division.
Turning 34 before the tournament starts, the opportunity to represent Italy at the Olympic Winter Games comes at just the right time for Seed. The former Upper Canada Cyclone's player has been able to create a long career for himself, built on his off-season training and dedication. Now, the hard-working defenseman has a chance to play against some of the world's best.
Milan Cortina marks Italy's first return to Olympic hockey since hosting the tournament in 2006. The team look to improve on their 11th-place finish at home, but the road won't be easy. Italy opens on February 11, 2026, when they face Sweden, before facing Slovakia and Finland in arguably the most gruelling pool in the round robin.