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Milan-Cortina 2026: Men's Hockey Tournament Preview

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 2:46 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA, NORWAY, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, FINLAND

Milan-Cortina 2026: A Deep Dive into the Men's Olympic Hockey Tournament

As the excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, one sport consistently draws massive viewership and passionate fans: men's ice hockey. From February 6th to 22nd, 2026, the world's best hockey players will compete for Olympic glory, and the preliminary schedule is now set. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tournament, including key dates, broadcast information, and a look at the potential contenders.

The men's hockey competition kicks off on February 8th, 2026, with a series of preliminary round matchups. The tournament culminates in the gold medal game on February 21st, promising nearly two weeks of high-octane action. The games will be held in multiple venues throughout the host cities, blending the alpine atmosphere of Cortina d'Ampezzo with the urban energy of Milan.

How to Tune In:

For viewers in the United States, NBC and Peacock will serve as the primary broadcasters, offering extensive coverage of the Olympic Winter Games. Peacock will provide live streaming access, allowing fans to follow every game and moment of the tournament. This represents a continuing trend for NBCUniversal, leveraging its streaming platform to deliver Olympic content to a wider audience and cater to on-demand viewing habits.

Preliminary Round Schedule Highlights (Eastern Time):

The preliminary round will feature a diverse range of matchups, setting the stage for a competitive tournament. The first day will see a highly anticipated clash between perennial rivals, Team USA and Team Canada, at 12:40 p.m. ET. Also on February 8th, Finland will face China at the same time. Other notable early games include Switzerland vs. Norway and Latvia vs. Kazakhstan, both at 7:40 a.m. ET.

The schedule continues with a packed lineup throughout the week, with multiple games each day. February 10th will see Canada taking on Finland, and the USA facing China. The group stage will test each nation's depth and resilience as they battle for favorable seeding in the playoff round. Several nations are making their debut or returning after absences, including Saudi Arabia, injecting fresh excitement into the competition.

The Road to the Gold Medal:

Following the preliminary round, the tournament transitions to the playoff stage. The quarterfinals are scheduled for February 16th, with times varying based on the results of the preliminary games. The semifinals will take place on February 18th at 9:40 a.m. ET, followed by the bronze medal game on February 20th at 9:40 a.m. ET. The ultimate prize, the gold medal game, is set for February 21st at 12:40 p.m. ET, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Looking at the Contenders:

While the full rosters remain under wraps, speculation is already running high regarding the potential star players who will represent their nations. Team USA is expected to draw heavily from the NHL, with emerging stars and seasoned veterans vying for a spot. Team Canada, historically a dominant force in Olympic hockey, will also boast a roster packed with NHL talent. Team Finland, consistently competitive on the international stage, is known for its disciplined play and skilled forwards. Beyond these traditional powerhouses, teams like Sweden, Russia (if permitted to compete under their flag or a neutral designation), and the Czech Republic are also expected to contend for medals.

New to the competition, Saudi Arabia's inclusion marks a significant shift, indicating the growing global reach of the sport and the IOC's efforts to broaden participation. While likely not immediate contenders, their presence adds an intriguing dynamic to the preliminary rounds. The development of hockey in non-traditional markets is a key focus for the IIHF and the Olympics.

This year's tournament promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a blend of established stars, emerging talent, and a growing global presence. As the opening faceoff approaches, hockey fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the spectacle that awaits in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.