Former Axeman Cristiano DiGiacinto named to Italy’s Olympic roster

Former Acadia Axemen forward Cristiano DiGiacinto has been named to the Italian men’s hockey team for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, marking a major milestone in his playing career.

DiGiacinto played at Acadia from January 2018 through the end of the 2019–20 season. During his AUS career, he appeared in 67 regular-season games, recording 27 goals and 26 assists. He added 10 goals and seven assists in 20 postseason contests, producing consistently in high-pressure situations.

Following his time in Wolfville, DiGiacinto continued his professional career in North America, spending time in both the AHL and ECHL. He currently plays in Europe with HC Bolzano of the ICE Hockey League, where he has remained a key contributor.

Reflecting on his university experience, DiGiacinto said his time at Acadia played a significant role in his development on and off the ice.

“My time at Acadia helped me in more ways than I can even imagine,” he said. “It not only helped me develop my skills on the ice, but also helped me transition from a young adult to the person I am today. The support of the coaches and professors allowed me to build the work ethic, confidence and desire to become a better athlete and a harder worker.”

Being selected to represent Italy on the Olympic stage carries deep personal meaning.

“Being named to a national team competing in the Olympics is any athlete’s dream come true,” DiGiacinto said. “This is the pinnacle of sport, and it is an honour to represent my family, my heritage and all those who have helped me get to this point. It is by far the greatest privilege and blessing I have received in hockey to date.”

Italy’s return to the Olympic men’s hockey tournament comes on home ice and carries historical significance. The host nation has not appeared in Olympic men’s hockey since last hosting the Winter Games in Turin in 2006. In the NHL era of Olympic competition, Italy finished 12th in Nagano in 1998 and 11th in Turin. The country’s best result came in 1956 in Cortina, when the hosts placed seventh in a 10-team field.

Italy will open the tournament on Feb. 11 against Sweden, with Finland and Slovakia also in Group B.

All teams will advance from the group stage to the knockout round, with the three group winners and the top second-place finisher earning byes to the quarter-finals.

Italy’s 25-man roster is made up of players competing domestically and across Europe, blending experience and depth as the program prepares for its Olympic return.

For DiGiacinto, the selection reflects a journey that continued at Acadia and has carried through professional leagues on both sides of the Atlantic - now culminating on the sport’s biggest stage.