The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy promises one of the most thrilling ice hockey competitions in years — not just because Olympic hockey is always intense, but because NHL players are back after missing the last two Games.
With men’s hockey kicking off February 11 and women’s action already underway from February 5, fans have plenty to look forward to — from classic rivalries to star-studded showdowns.
🗓️ Key Dates You Need to Know
❄️ Women’s Tournament
- Starts: February 5, 2026
- Group Stage continues through mid-February
- Gold Medal Game: February 19, 2026
🏒 Men’s Tournament
- Starts: February 11, 2026
- Preliminary / Group Round: Feb 11–15
- Qualification Playoffs: Feb 17
- Quarterfinals: Feb 18
- Semifinals: Feb 20
- Gold Medal Game: February 22, 2026
The entire ice hockey competition runs almost throughout the Olympics, with medal games closing out the event in dramatic fashion.
🏟️ Venues: Where the Action Happens
The ice hockey games at Milano-Cortina 2026 will be played at two main arenas in Milan:
📍 PalaItalia (Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena)
- Primary site for men’s and women’s matches including medal games.
- One of the largest hockey arenas at the Games.
📍 Fiera Milano (Rho Ice Hockey Arena)
- Hosts early round games and preliminary matches.
- Slightly smaller but crucial for group-stage action.
Both venues are buzzing hubs of Olympic energy — and will see fans from around the world cheering on their teams.
🏒 Matchups & Groups to Watch
📌 Men’s Groups
The men’s tournament features 12 nations split into three groups:
- Group A: Canada | Czechia | Switzerland | France
- Group B: Finland | Sweden | Slovakia | Italy
- Group C: United States | Germany | Latvia | Denmark
This structure sets up blockbuster clashes early — including Sweden vs. Italy and heavyweight battles like Canada vs. Czechia in group play.
🌟 NHL Stars Returning to Olympic Ice
After a 12-year absence, the NHL stars are back on the Olympic ice — and they’re expected to be major factors in medal contention.
Some top players to watch include:
- Sidney Crosby – Canadian legend and one of hockey’s greatest leaders.
- Connor McDavid – One of the most dominant offensive stars in the world, set to captain Team Canada.
- Other NHL standouts are expected to feature across various teams (USA, Finland, Sweden), making this a truly elite tournament.
The return of NHL players adds a level of skill, speed, and intensity that fans haven’t seen at the Olympics for over a decade.
🔥 Key Matchups Fans Shouldn’t Miss
Here are some must-watch games once the men’s tournament gets rolling:
- Slovakia vs. Finland – Opening Day: A clash between a powerhouse and a rising contender.
- Sweden vs. Italy: A host nation battle with passion and pride on the line.
- Canada vs. Switzerland: Traditional powerhouses battling for group supremacy.
- USA vs. Latvia / Germany: Every game for the U.S. matters as they aim for gold.
On the women’s side, traditional rivals like USA vs. Canada continue to dominate headlines and excitement.
🏆 Why This Ice Hockey Tournament Matters
- Full NHL participation brings the world’s best players to the Olympics.
- Italy hosts both men’s and women’s competitions in iconic venues.
- The mix of seasoned veterans and new challengers makes every game unpredictable — and electric.
Whether you’re a casual fan or die-hard hockey enthusiast, Ice hockey at Milano-Cortina 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the Winter Games.