Sports
Canada’s men’s hockey team opens with a 5-0 win, blending NHL star power and gritty play as they chase gold in Milan while opting for hotel accommodations over the Olympic Village.
6 min read
It’s official—Olympic hockey has returned to its most dazzling form, as Team Canada and other top hockey nations welcome NHL stars back to the Winter Games for the first time in over a decade. The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics kicked off with an electric atmosphere, and Team Canada wasted no time making a statement. On Thursday, February 12, Canadian fans were treated to a dominant 5-0 victory over Czechia, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable campaign.
Led by the legendary Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who dons the captain’s ‘C’ for this tournament, Team Canada’s roster reads like a who’s who of modern hockey. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) serve as alternate captains, bringing a blend of speed, skill, and composure that any coach would envy. This year’s squad features 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars like Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
The return of NHL players has injected a palpable energy into the Olympic ice. For Canadian fans, seeing Crosby, McDavid, and Makar skate alongside talents such as Tom Wilson (Washington Capitals), Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights), and Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche) is nothing short of a dream come true. The roster also includes stalwarts like Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers), Bo Horvat (New York Islanders), and Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens), ensuring depth and versatility across all lines.
Canada’s opening game against Czechia was a showcase of both star power and team chemistry. Tom Wilson, making his Olympic debut, brought his trademark grit and physicality to the top line with Celebrini and McDavid. Wilson logged 16:06 on the ice, notched a plus-1 rating, and delivered at least four heavy hits—two particularly memorable ones coming against Radko Gudas and Filip Hronek. While the Olympic stat sheet doesn’t track hits, anyone watching could see Wilson’s impact. “We want to win gold, and we want to give ourselves the best opportunity to do so,” Wilson remarked before the tournament, echoing the team’s collective focus.
The scoring in the opener was spread around, with Celebrini, Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki all finding the back of the net. Goaltender Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues) turned away every Czech shot to secure a shutout, while Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals) backed him up. The Canadians’ two-way play was on full display, with Wilson’s backchecking and relentless puck battles helping stifle Czechia’s offensive pushes. As one observer noted, “It was his backchecking and two-way play that stood out, as he helped stop Czechia from getting the puck in deep, won various puck battles and patrolled the ice to open up space for his teammates.”
Team Canada’s path through the group stage is clearly laid out. After dispatching Czechia, they’ll face Switzerland on Friday, February 13 at 3:10 PM EST, followed by a matchup against France on Sunday, February 15 at 10:40 AM EST. Every team in the group advances to the qualifying round, after which the tournament shifts to a single-elimination format. That means the stakes only get higher with each game—one misstep, and the dream of gold could vanish in a flash.
If Canada advances as expected, the knockout rounds are scheduled for February 17 and 18, with possible quarterfinals and semifinals depending on their placement. Medal games are set for February 21 (bronze, 2:40 PM EST) and February 22 (gold, 8:10 AM EST). Canadian fans can catch every moment live, with preliminary games airing on CBC, RDS2, ICI TOU.TV, and CBC Gem. The broadcast lineup shifts for later rounds, incorporating Sportsnet and TSN, ensuring fans won’t miss a second of the action.
But it’s not just the on-ice action that’s making headlines. In a move that’s sparked conversation across the Olympic community, Team Canada’s men’s hockey team chose to stay in a hotel rather than the traditional Olympic Village. Goaltender Logan Thompson explained, “I don’t think we’re doing it as an insult or anything like that. We want to win gold, and we want to give ourselves the best opportunity to do so.” The decision, made after the team initially spent a few nights in the dorm-style village accommodations, reflects a focus on comfort and preparation. Still, the team hasn’t completely isolated itself—Thompson and stars like Crosby and McDavid have mingled with athletes from other sports, soaking in the Olympic atmosphere and even marveling at the attention their presence draws. “You see everyone just staring at them, because they’re the superstars,” Thompson recounted. “It’s cool to see how other countries really notice them, and how they all just want to come over and say hi to Crosby and McDavid and those guys.”
The Olympic Village itself has seen some upgrades since the infamous cardboard beds of the Tokyo 2020 Games. British ice dancer Phebe Bekker confirmed in a viral video, “You heard it here first. There are no cardboard beds. Well, as far as I know.” The improved accommodations, along with the camaraderie among athletes, contribute to the unique Olympic spirit—even if Team Canada’s hockey stars are catching their Zs elsewhere.
Elsewhere at the Games, the men’s hockey tournament has already delivered surprises. Slovakia stunned Finland 4-1, and Sweden had to dig deep to overcome Italy 5-2 on opening day. Team USA, without any Pittsburgh Penguins on their roster, faced Latvia and its star goalie Arturs Silovs, who’s earned a reputation as a clutch performer after his Calder Cup MVP run in 2025. Both marquee North American squads are under intense scrutiny, with every roster decision analyzed and every shift magnified by fans and media alike.
For Team Canada, the blend of experience and youthful firepower could be the winning formula. Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player on the roster, wasted no time making an impact alongside Wilson and McDavid. Meanwhile, veterans like Crosby—already an Olympic hero after his golden goal in Vancouver 2010—bring invaluable leadership and poise. The presence of multiple Washington Capitals, including Wilson and backup goalie Thompson, adds a layer of familiarity and chemistry, while the likes of Mark Stone and Shea Theodore (Golden Knights), Sam Reinhart (Panthers), and Devon Toews (Avalanche) round out a truly elite lineup.
As the tournament rolls on, all eyes will be on Canada’s quest for gold. The team’s decision to prioritize comfort, the return of NHL stars, and the early statement win over Czechia have set the stage for a dramatic and thrilling Olympic journey. With each game, the pressure mounts, but so does the excitement. Will Crosby, McDavid, and company add another golden chapter to Canada’s storied hockey legacy? The world is watching—and this story is just getting started.