Olympic Winter Games Feb 6 – 22, 2026
Paralympic Winter Games Mar 6 – 15, 2026
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Mark your calendars: the countdown to the thrill of Olympic ice hockey has begun. On 17 June 2025, the official schedules for the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games were announced. Matches will take place between 5 and 22 February 2026 at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena—two venues ready to ignite fans’ passion.
The women’s tournament kicks off first: on Thursday, 5 February—one day before the Opening Ceremony—Sweden will face Germany in the tournament’s opening match. On the same day, Italy will make its debut against France.
The men’s tournament will begin on Wednesday, 11 February with Slovakia vs. Finland, followed later that evening by Italy’s debut match against Sweden.
But there’s more: along with the schedule announcement came thrilling news for hockey fans around the world. In collaboration with the IIHF, NHL, NHLPA, and IOC, the first six players from each participating men’s team were named for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. After a 12-year absence, Olympic ice hockey in Italy will once again feature stars from the premier North American league.
To purchase tickets for all games of the Olympic ice hockey tournament in Milano Cortina 2026, visit this link: Milano Cortina 2026 – the complete ice hockey calendar.
Ten national teams will compete for the gold medal in the women’s tournament.
Group A: Canada, United States, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland
Group B: Japan, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France
The opening Group B match is scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026 (one day before the Olympic Opening Ceremony), at 12:10 at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, with Sweden facing Germany. At 14:40, Italy, the host nation, will take on France at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
The group stage concludes on Tuesday, 10 February. Quarterfinals begin on Friday, 13 February, with medal games scheduled for Thursday, 19 February: the bronze medal match at 14:40 and the gold medal final at 19:10.
The men’s tournament will feature 12 teams, divided into three groups:
Group A: Canada, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France
Group B: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
Group C: United States, Germany, Latvia, Denmark
The first game is set for 16:40 on Wednesday, 11 February at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena with Slovakia facing Finland (Group B), followed by Italy vs. Sweden at 21:10. Group play ends on Sunday, 15 February, while quarterfinals begin on Tuesday, 17 February. The bronze medal game will be played on Saturday, 21 February at 20:40, and the gold medal final will take place on Sunday, 22 February at 14:10, the final day of the Olympic Games.
Here’s the full tournament of the Milano Cortina 2026 Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament:
On 17 June, the 12 national ice hockey federations participating in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games unveiled the first six players selected for their preliminary men’s rosters.
The announcement was made in collaboration with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
These are the star players set to shine at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games:
United States: Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy
Milano Cortina 2026 marks a historic moment for ice hockey. For the first time in 12 years, NHL players will return to compete in the Winter Olympic Games, reigniting excitement among athletes, fans, media, and organizers alike.
“We are thrilled to welcome NHL players back to the Olympic Winter Games. For the IIHF, this is an important step in showcasing ice hockey at the highest level on the world stage. Fans in Milano Cortina and around the world will witness top-tier competition and unforgettable moments. This return strengthens our collaboration with the NHL, NHLPA, and IOC, and we’re excited for what lies ahead. I can’t wait for the Games to begin,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“The National Hockey League is looking forward with great excitement to the hockey tournament at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games,’’ NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “As was demonstrated so vividly at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, there are few competitions in all of international sports that can match the passion, talent and spectacle of NHL Players representing their countries in a best-on-best tournament. We know that the presence of the Players named today, and the many more NHL stars who will join them, will make for a memorable Olympic men’s hockey tournament in February.”
“The naming of the first players to the national ice hockey teams marks a powerful return to Olympic competition—an aspiration long supported by our players,” said Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the NHLPA.
“Following the unforgettable Four Nations Face-Off this past February in Montréal and Boston, our athletes are ready to proudly represent their countries once again on the international Olympic stage in Milan.”
Full team rosters will be announced in early 2026.
Final athlete selections for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be confirmed by the respective National Olympic Committees, as outlined by the Olympic Charter.
For details on official merchandise, hospitality packages, volunteer opportunities, the Olympic Torch Relay, and more, visit:
https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com/
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