New Jersey native Jacquie Pierri is trading her hometown roots for international ice as she prepares to represent Italy as a defenseman in the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The 35-year-old Montclair native will make her Olympic debut when Italy faces France on Thursday, one day before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games.
Pierri's journey to the Italian national team has deep personal significance. Her father Al, who passed away from a heart attack while playing hockey, had Italian heritage. "Playing for a team in Italy with the Pierri name on my jersey will be very special," she told EcoAthletes while pursuing her citizenship.
