The men’s hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games kicks off on February 11. Team Slovakia faces Team Finland, and shortly after, Team Sweden will compete against host Team Italy.
This tournament marks the return of NHL players after the 2014 Sochi Olympics. A total of 12 teams will play three preliminary games in groups before advancing to a single-elimination playoff. The tournament will wrap up with the gold medal match on February 22.
Team USA, placed in Group C, will play its first game against Team Latvia on February 12. Following that, they’ll face Team Denmark and Team Germany on February 14 and 15, respectively.
Team Canada will also begin its journey on February 12 against Team Czechia, with subsequent games against Team Switzerland and Team France.
All matches will take place at either the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena or the Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milano.
Team Lineups
Team Canada
Forwards: Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon
Defensemen: Drew Doughty, Cale Makar
Goalies: Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper
Team Czechia
Forwards: David Pastrnak, Tomas Hertl
Defensemen: Radko Gudas, Filip Hronek
Goalies: Lukas Dostal, Karel Vejmelka
Team USA
Forwards: Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, Dylan Larkin
Defensemen: Seth Jones, Quinn Hughes
Goalies: Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger
Insights and Trends
This year’s tournament is generating excitement, especially with the inclusion of top NHL talents. Historically, the Olympics have been a platform for showcasing the world’s best players. The decision to allow NHL players back has fans and experts buzzing, creating a strong sense of anticipation.
Recent surveys show that around 75% of hockey fans are eager to see NHL players compete in the Olympics again. Many believe it elevates the competition and brings more viewership.
Moreover, social media is abuzz with chatter about favorites and predictions. Hashtags like #Hockey2026 and #OlympicHockey are trending, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm.
As we await the tournament, experts forecast an exciting matchup between traditional hockey powers like Canada and emerging teams like Denmark and Slovakia, which have shown significant growth in international competitions.
In conclusion, the Milano Cortina 2026 men’s hockey tournament promises to deliver thrilling games and unforgettable moments. With the return of NHL stars, every match could shift the balance of power in international hockey.
For more details about the competition, refer to Olympic.org.
