NHL Stars Return as Men’s Olympic Hockey Schedule Takes Center Stage
Canada wins gold in overtime against U.S.A at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Photo credits: s.yume.
Written By Gina Anton
For the first time in more than a decade, the world’s best hockey players are back where fans believe they belong, which is on the Olympic stage.
Men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina runs from February 11–22, and with full NHL participation confirmed, the tournament immediately becomes one of the most anticipated events of the Games. Superstars from Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Germany and beyond will pause their NHL seasons to chase Olympic gold in a true best-on-best competition.
Games will be played at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, with group play leading into a single-elimination knockout round and a gold medal game on Sunday, February 22.
Group Play Sets the Tone
Each team will play three preliminary games, and several early matchups already stand out as must-watch contests featuring NHL talent on both sides.
February 12 — Canada vs. Czechia
Canada opens its Olympic schedule against a skilled Czech team in one of the tournament’s first marquee games. Canada’s roster is expected to feature a core of NHL elite, including Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Cale Makar, while Czechia counters with a lineup anchored by experienced NHL forwards like David Pastrnak and goaltending depth. It’s a high-tempo test right out of the gate.
February 12 — United States vs. Latvia
Team USA begins group play with a roster loaded with NHL stars, headlined by Auston Matthews. While Latvia enters as an underdog, Olympic openers can be unpredictable, and this game offers the first look at how the Americans’ NHL-heavy lineup comes together under international rules.
February 14 — United States vs. Denmark
The Americans continue group play in a game that could prove crucial for seeding. Denmark has steadily grown as an international program, but this matchup is about whether the U.S. stars can establish momentum before their toughest test.
February 15 — United States vs. Germany
One of the most intriguing group games of the tournament features Leon Draisaitl, captain of Team Germany, going head-to-head with the United States. Draisaitl’s dominance at the NHL level makes Germany a legitimate threat, and this matchup could determine who advances with the strongest position heading into the knockout round.
February 15 — Canada vs. France
Canada closes group play looking to fine-tune its game before the elimination rounds. While France enters as a long shot, the contest provides another opportunity for Canada’s NHL stars to build chemistry before the pressure spikes.
Why This Tournament Matters
This is the first men’s Olympic hockey tournament since 2014 to feature full NHL participation, restoring the event’s reputation as the highest level of international competition. Fans will once again see the league’s biggest names competing not for clubs, but for their countries which is a dynamic that consistently delivers unforgettable moments.
With rivalries renewed, and medal-round matchups looming, every game carries weight. A potential USA vs. Canada or Finland vs. Sweden's clash in the knockout stage would instantly become one of the defining moments of the Winter Games.
After group play concludes, the tournament shifts into single-elimination mode, where one mistake can end a gold medal dream. Quarterfinals and semifinals will determine the finalists, setting the stage for the gold medal game on February 22
For NHL fans, the wait is over. The best players in the world are back on Olympic ice, and February in Milan promises to deliver hockey at its absolute peak.
