‘A lot of excitement’: Winnipeggers head to Italy to watch friend Seth Jarvis in Olympics

A group of Manitoba men say ‘it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity’ to support their friend in the Olympics. Alex Karpa reports.

A group of Winnipeggers attracted national attention this time last year for driving 30 hours to watch their friend and NHL forward Seth Jarvis play in the 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston.

That same group is now heading to Milan to watch him compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Jarvis, who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes, was not originally included on the Canadian roster, but a late injury to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point opened up a spot for him.

When longtime friend Lucas Fry found out Jarvis made the team, he knew he had to find a way to go.

“I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time on my phone,” he said. “It’s been a lot, but it’s been a privilege to spend that much time on my phone and get this opportunity.”

Fry said they were supposed to be heading to Raleigh, N.C., to visit Jarvis during the NHL Olympic break, but now their flight plans have been rerouted to Italy.

In addition to Fry, there are five other longtime friends of the NHLer going, as well, including Matt McLeod, Sloan Tremblay, Bryan Hanna, Lucas Humble and Noah Wagner.

30-hour road trip to 4 Nations

The crew got a lot of attention during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and the U.S.

When their flights to Boston were cancelled, they didn’t hesitate, piling into a car in Winnipeg and driving 30 hours to watch Canada play.

The group is reuniting once again, and this time on an even bigger stage. But unlike last year, they won’t be racing the clock on the highway.

Air Canada has stepped in, arranging last-minute flights to make sure the crew gets to Milan.

“It’s pretty crazy to see how that has now turned into Air Canada helping us out and now we are going to the Olympics,” Fry said. “None of us had flight insurance, so when we found out Seth was going to Milan – and not in Raleigh – it was mixed emotions.”

‘It’s an honour to go’

For McLeod, being there in person means everything.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for him,” he said. “And for us to go watch him and do that, it’s going to be amazing.”

“I thought last year was the once in a lifetime opportunity, but this is 100 times better,” he said.

The group is going for 10 days, flying out of Winnipeg on Saturday.

McLeod says they hope to do some sightseeing, in addition to cheering on Canada.

“You want to see as much as you can,” he said.

‘Friendship goes way beyond hockey’

Wagner says he always goes out of his way to support his friends, no matter where they are.

“Always being there for each other in the summer and having that close bond as a group, just hanging out every day,” Wagner said. “We have been there for each other since day one.”

Wagner said he and his friends are beyond ready to cheer on Jarvis and Canada on the international stage.

“Hopefully we see a gold medal win,” he said. “We are going to take it all in, go see other friends and be there as a good friend group.”