USA Hockey Magazine

28 // SUMMER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM I N A FAMILY OF ESTABLISHED SWIMMERS, JAKE MINTENKO CHOSE THE FROZEN WATER INSTEAD. Jake, the son of retired Olympic swimmers Lindsay and Mike Mintenko, recently participated in USA Hockey's National Boys 16 Player Development Camp in Amherst, N.Y. Lindsay won two gold medals for the United States in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, both in the 4x200m freestyle, and a silver medal in 2004 for the 4x100m freestyle. In January 2003, she set the short-course world record in the 400m freestyle at 3:59.53, which stood for nearly three years. Her husband, Mike, also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, representing Canada. "Obviously it's cool," Jake said. "It's something to look up to. She inspires me the way she carries herself, her work ethic - it's amazing." This summer was Jake's second time attending a USA Hockey Player Development Camp, something his dad is certainly proud of. "The opportunity to come here and be with the best kids in the country is an honor," says Mike. "It's not just about representing the U.S.; it's representing all the people that helped him in his journey." Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jake, who is now a stout 6-foot-4 forward, has been playing for the local Colorado Rampage program. "I put on figure skates the first time, and then I wanted to play hockey because I saw the hockey players," Jake said. "I've played for the Colorado Rampage my whole life, been really lucky there. I started when I was 5 in the Learn To Skate (program). I PHOTOS BY Charles Crowell TO THE by Charles Crowell Jake Mintenko Is Creating His Own Wave As The Son Of Olympic Swimmers, Lindsay and Mike Mintenko FROM THE POOL RINK

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