The 2018 Winter Olympics will open in Pyeongchang, South Korea, this week, with heavy participation by more than 40 individuals from Big Ten programs — including 11 competitors from both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The league has placed 20 current or former students, coaches, and alumni on Team USA, nine individuals on Team Canada, and several more across the rosters and support staffs of Finland, Korea, Nigeria, South Korea, and Sweden.

A total of nine Big Ten Olympians will play men’s ice hockey, with another 20 from the league competing in women’s ice hockey.

Current Big Ten students include Minnesota forward Kelly Pannek (USA) and Wisconsin forward Emily Clark (Canada).

Two-time gold medalist and former Badger Meaghan Mikkelson returns for Team Canada.

Both U.S. head coaches are Big Ten alums, with Wisconsin coach Tony Granato leading the men, while Minnesota graduate Robb Stauber heads the women’s team. Former Badger Chris Chelios and former Gopher Brett Strot will assist the men and women, respectively.