Team USA Names Hellebuyck as Starter for Olympic Opener

**Team USA**, the public-facing brand of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), empowers America's elite athletes to compete on the global stage while driving innovation in sports performance and athlete support.[1][2][6] Founded in 1894 amid the International Olympic Committee's inception, the USOPC—headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—evolved from early efforts by American IOC members to organize U.S. participation in the 1896 Athens Olympics. It formalized as the American Olympic Association in 1921 and gained its modern structure via the 1978 Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, which designated it as the nation's National Olympic Committee (NOC) and, uniquely, National Paralympic Committee (NPC)—one of only four worldwide managing both.[1][2] U.S. Paralympics, a key division, launched in 2001 to oversee Paralympic teams and community programs.[2] The USOPC fields U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American, and Parapan American Games, collaborating with 45 Olympic National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and others for training, trials, and athlete selection. As a federally chartered nonprofit, it relies entirely on private funding from fans, sponsors, and partners—unlike government-backed NOCs elsewhere—allocating 78% of its budget directly to athletes via programs like the Athlete Marketing Platform and Technology and Innovation Fund, which deliver cutting-edge sport science and sponsorships.[1][3][5] Key achievements underscore its dominance: Team USA topped the 2020 Tokyo Olympics medal count with 113 medals (39 golds) across 28 sports and ranked third in Paralympics with 104 medals (37 golds), even amid pandemic delays.[3] The U.S. consistently leads global medal tallies, hosts major events, and holds leadership roles in internationa

The **Winnipeg Jets** are a professional ice hockey team competing in the National Hockey League (NHL), representing one of Canada's most storied sports franchises[1][2]. ## Organization Overview Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Jets operate as a member of the Central Division in the NHL's Western Conference[1]. The team is owned by True North Sports & Entertainment and plays home games at Canada Life Centre[1]. The organization manages a complete professional sports operation, including minor league affiliates: the Manitoba Moose (American Hockey League) and Norfolk Admirals (East Coast Hockey League)[2]. ## Historical Significance The current Jets franchise has a unique dual legacy[2]. The original Winnipeg Jets competed from 1972 to 1996, beginning in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before joining the NHL in 1979[3]. This historic team produced legendary players like Dale Hawerchuk and competed against powerhouses like the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s and early 1990s[4]. However, small-market economics and arena financing challenges forced relocation to Phoenix in 1996[4]. The modern Jets were reestablished in 2011 when the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg, reviving the iconic name[2]. This return marked a significant moment for the city's sports culture. ## Current Status and Achievements Since returning to Winnipeg, the Jets have reached the playoffs six times, including a notable 2018 Western Conference Finals appearance where they lost to the Las Vegas Golden Knights[2]. The team clinched the second seed in the Central Division during the 2023-24 season[1]. As of the 2025-26 season, the Jets maintain an active roster led by coach Scott Arniel, featuring key players like Mark Scheifele and Connor