Smithfield native to officiate at 2026 Winter Olympics

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Amanda Tassoni is heading to Milan next year for what she calls the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Smithfield native has been selected by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) as one of just 10 on-ice officials from the United States chosen to work the 2026 Women’s Winter Olympic Hockey tournament.

Tassoni’s love for the sport began early. After growing up watching her father and older brother play, she laced up skates as soon as she could. Her mother, Sue, hoped she would take up figure skating, but Tassoni had other plans.

The 36-year-old played throughout high school at Mount Saint Charles Academy and later at the University of Rhode Island.

After graduating, she turned to officiating as a way to stay close to the game she loved.

Leading up to the Olympics, Tassoni and the other selected officials will attend a pre-Olympics training camp in December.

This year also marks a milestone for the sport, as it is the first time women have officiated a men’s world championship, a sign of growing inclusivity in international hockey.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22, 2026. It marks the first time two cities will jointly host the Winter Games and the first time since 2006 that they’ll be held in Italy. The event will feature 16 days of competition across 8 sports and 16 disciplines, including skiing, hockey, figure skating, and snowboarding. Venues will be split between the modern setting of Milan and the alpine landscapes of Cortina, blending urban innovation with mountain tradition. Organizers say sustainability and legacy are central themes, with many events taking place in existing or refurbished venues.

Amanda Tassoni to officiate at the 2026 Winter Olympics