The men's ice hockey competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics has progressed into the knockout stages, with both the United States and Canada emerging as dominant forces after topping their respective groups. This year's tournament is particularly notable as it marks the first time since 2014 that NHL players are participating, a development that has reshaped expectations and intensified the rivalry between these North American powerhouses.
Historic Context and Medal Records
Canada enters the 2026 Games with a storied history in Olympic ice hockey, having won gold medals in 2010 and 2014, and most recently as part of the past three champions that include Finland and the Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR). In contrast, the USA has accumulated 11 total medals in the sport but has not claimed gold since the iconic 1980 victory, over 45 years ago, with their only other gold dating back to 1960.
Impact of NHL Player Inclusion
The return of NHL players to the Olympic stage is a pivotal moment, following failures to reach agreements between the NHL and the International Olympic Committee in both 2018 and 2022. This absence had previously affected rosters for the USA, Canada, and numerous other nations. With NHL talent now available, Canada is widely regarded as the favorite to secure the gold medal in Milan, while the USA follows closely as the second favorite. Notably, the USA women's team is also highlighted as a top contender in their category.
Tournament Schedule and Results
The knockout phase kicked off on February 17 with the play-off round, featuring matchups such as Czech Republic versus Denmark, Sweden against Latvia, Germany facing France, and Switzerland taking on Italy. The quarter-finals are scheduled for February 18, where winners will advance to face top seeds like Canada and the USA.
USA and Canada's Group Stage Performances
The USA demonstrated their strength in Group C with decisive victories: a 5-1 win over Latvia on February 12, a 6-3 triumph against Denmark on February 14, and a 5-1 defeat of Germany on February 15. Similarly, Canada dominated Group A, shutting out the Czech Republic 5-0 on February 12, defeating Switzerland 5-1 on February 13, and overwhelming France with a 10-2 scoreline on February 15.
All games are being held at either the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena or the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, venues where teams have been conducting intensive training sessions in preparation for the high-stakes matches ahead.
Upcoming Matches and Predictions
The semi-finals are set for February 20, with the bronze medal match on February 21 and the highly anticipated final on February 22. As the tournament progresses, the inclusion of NHL stars is expected to elevate the level of competition, making every game a must-watch event for ice hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
