The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy will feature one of the most thrilling ice hockey tournaments in recent memory. From 5 to 22 February 2026, fans will watch top international teams and the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments promise high-level competition, historic moments, and unforgettable performances.
1️⃣ 2026 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Schedule
Women’s Tournament: 5–19 February 2026
The women’s competition kicks off one day before the Opening Ceremony with 10 teams:
- Canada (defending champions)
- USA
- Finland
- Sweden
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Germany
- France
- Italy (host nation)
The preliminary round leads to knockout stages and the gold medal game in late February.
Men’s Tournament: 11–22 February 2026
The men’s tournament features 12 top teams divided into three groups:
- Group A: Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, France
- Group B: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
- Group C: USA, Germany, Latvia, Denmark
Top teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the gold medal final on 22 February. Also visit our Super Bowl 2026
2️⃣ Return of NHL Players
A major storyline for 2026 is the return of NHL stars. The NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC finalized an agreement in July 2025, allowing professional players to compete for their countries — a move that hasn’t happened since the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
This is expected to:
- Raise the level of competition
- Draw global attention
- Feature the world’s best professional players representing their nations
3️⃣ Historic Moments Already in 2026
Women’s Tournament Highlights
- Italy’s first Olympic ice hockey win: The host nation defeated France in Group B.
- Hilary Knight milestone: Scored multiple goals, tying the all-time U.S. Olympic goal record.
Tournament Health Challenges
- A norovirus outbreak caused Finland’s opening game against Canada to be postponed.
4️⃣ Ice Hockey Venues
Games are held at two main arenas in Milan:
- Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena – Newly built for the Olympics
- Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena – Hosts preliminary and medal games
Both venues welcome international fans and provide world-class facilities.
5️⃣ Rules and Tournament Format
Olympic ice hockey follows IIHF international rules:
- NHL-sized rinks
- Three 20-minute periods
- Overtime and shootouts if games are tied after regulation
6️⃣ Why the 2026 Ice Hockey Tournament Matters
- Star Power: NHL players bring elite skill and international attention
- Global Competition: Powerhouses like Canada, USA, Finland, and Sweden showcase top talent
- Historic Moments: Italy’s first women’s win and Hilary Knight’s scoring record
- Fan Experience: One of the most-watched Winter Olympic sports globally
FAQs
Who is eligible to compete in Olympic ice hockey in 2026?
National teams qualified through rankings and tournaments; Russia and Belarus are banned from the 2026 Games.
When does Olympic ice hockey begin?
- Women’s tournament: 5 February 2026
- Men’s tournament: 11 February 2026
Will NHL players participate in 2026?
Yes, after a 12-year absence, NHL players return to the Olympics, boosting competition in the men’s tournament.
Where are the ice hockey games held?
At Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.
How many teams compete?
- Men’s tournament: 12 teams
- Women’s tournament: 10 teams
Conclusion
The 2026 Winter Olympics ice hockey tournaments in Milano Cortina, Italy promise to be one of the most exciting events of the Games. With NHL players returning for the first time since 2014, fans can expect high-level competition, unforgettable moments, and historic achievements in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. From Italy’s first Olympic women’s hockey win to record-breaking performances by stars like Hilary Knight, these games highlight the global appeal of ice hockey.
Whether you’re following the Olympic schedule, tracking your favorite teams, or watching the top NHL talent compete for their countries, the 2026 Olympics are set to deliver thrilling ice hockey action that fans around the world won’t want to miss.
References
- Ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics – Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey_at_the_2026_Winter_Olympics - International Ice Hockey Federation schedule overview:
https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2026/olympic_schedule_58_games_22_teams_two_gold_medals - NHL, NHLPA, IIHF and IOC agreement for Olympic participation:
https://apnews.com/article/36341707f1b0f85e262ab4541d4c0d58 - Official Milano Cortina 2026 Ice Hockey info:
https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com/en/ice-hockey
