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Olympic Hockey Action Heats Up in Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 2:43 GMT by USA Today
      Locales: SWITZERLAND, ITALY, SWEDEN, FINLAND, FRANCE, UNITED STATES, CANADA

Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - February 5th, 2026 - The third day of Olympic hockey action is underway at the 2026 Winter Games, with a packed schedule of preliminary round matchups across both the men's and women's tournaments. Fans in the Americas and Europe are waking up early - or staying up late - to catch all the hard-hitting action as teams vie for position heading into the playoff rounds. Today's games, broadcast primarily on USA Network and streamed via Peacock, the USA Network App, and Fubo, feature a diverse range of contests, from established hockey powerhouses to nations making a determined push to establish themselves on the Olympic stage.

Men's Tournament Heats Up

The men's tournament is already proving to be fiercely competitive. Early results have shown that the traditional "big four" - Canada, USA, Russia (competing as ROC), and Sweden - are facing stiff opposition from emerging hockey nations. Today's schedule offers several key matchups. Switzerland's game against Norway at 7:40 a.m. ET sees two European teams battling for crucial group stage points. Following that, Czechia takes on Germany at 9:40 a.m. ET, a contest expected to be a physical and tactically intriguing affair.

The noon slot features a highly anticipated clash between Canada and China (12:40 p.m. ET). Canada, perennial medal contenders, are looking to assert their dominance early in the tournament, but China, bolstered by a growing domestic hockey program and investment in international talent, are determined to make a statement. Later in the day, Slovenia faces Ecuador at 3:40 p.m. ET - a matchup that highlights the Olympics' goal of broadening participation in winter sports and offers Ecuador a historic opportunity to compete at this level. The day concludes with a crucial game between the USA and Japan at 6:40 p.m. ET, a contest that will have implications for seeding in the knockout stages.

Women's Hockey: Canada and USA Lead the Charge

The women's tournament, consistently showcasing incredible skill and athleticism, continues to captivate audiences. Canada and the USA remain the dominant forces, but teams like Finland, Sweden, and now, increasingly, China and Japan, are closing the gap. Today's schedule mirrors the men's, kicking off with Switzerland vs. Denmark at 7:40 a.m. ET. China's game against Sweden at 9:40 a.m. ET is one to watch, as the Chinese team looks to build on recent progress.

Canada faces the Republic of Korea at 12:40 p.m. ET - a game expected to showcase Canada's offensive prowess. The USA then takes on Kazakhstan at 3:40 p.m. ET, and their strong defense and scoring ability will be tested. Finally, Japan battles Czechia at 6:40 p.m. ET, closing out the day's hockey action. Experts predict that the USA-Kazakhstan match, and the Japan-Czechia game will be particularly competitive, with both offering potentially surprising results.

Broadcast Details & Streaming Options

For viewers in the United States, all games are being broadcast live on USA Network. Those preferring to stream can utilize Peacock, the USA Network App, or Fubo. International broadcast rights vary by country, so fans are advised to check local listings. Real-time score updates are available on various sports websites and apps throughout the day.

Looking Ahead

The preliminary round continues for several more days, with teams jockeying for position and fighting to secure a spot in the playoff rounds. Analysts are already predicting a thrilling finish to both tournaments, with several potential medal contenders emerging. The next few days promise more exciting hockey as the Olympic spirit shines brightly in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The intensity is building, and the stakes are high as the world's best hockey players battle for Olympic glory.

Note: All times listed are Eastern Time.