The highly anticipated men's ice hockey final at the 2026 Winter Olympics is set to take place this weekend, featuring a classic North American rivalry between the United States and Canada. This showdown follows the women's final between the same nations, promising an electrifying climax to the ice hockey tournament in Milan.
Historic Gold Medal Drought and Favourites
The United States enters the final with a notable gold medal drought, having not claimed the top prize since their famous 1980 victory, over 45 years ago. Their only other gold came in 1960, giving them a total of 11 ice hockey medals overall. In contrast, Canada has a more recent history of success, winning gold in 2010 and 2014, with Finland and Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) taking the titles in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
Return of NHL Players After 12 Years
A significant factor in this year's competition is the return of National Hockey League (NHL) players to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014. Historically, disputes between the NHL and the International Olympic Committee had prevented professional players from participating in both the 2018 and 2022 Games, impacting teams like the USA and Canada. With NHL talent back in the mix, Canada is widely regarded as the favourite for the gold medal, while the USA is seen as the second favourite, though they are considered the team to beat in the women's tournament.
Men's Ice Hockey Schedule and Results
Final
February 22: Canada vs USA (8.10am ET / 1.10pm GMT)
Bronze Medal Match
February 21: Finland vs Slovakia (3.40pm ET / 7.40pm GMT)
Semi-Finals
- February 20: USA 6-2 Slovakia
- February 21: Canada 3-2 Finland
Quarter-Finals
- February 18: Czech Republic 3-4 Canada
- February 18: Sweden 1-2 USA
- February 18: Germany 2-6 Slovakia
- February 18: Switzerland 2-3 Finland
Play-Off Round
- February 17: Czech Republic 3-2 Denmark
- February 17: Sweden 5-1 Latvia
- February 17: Germany 5-1 France
- February 17: Switzerland 3-0 Italy
USA Group C Results
- February 12: Latvia 1-5 USA
- February 14: USA 6-3 Denmark
- February 15: USA 5-1 Germany
Canada Group A Results
- February 12: Czech Republic 0-5 Canada
- February 13: Switzerland 1-5 Canada
- February 15: Canada 10-2 France
All matches are being held at either the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena or the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where teams have been training ahead of the Games. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both nations vying for Olympic glory in a sport deeply rooted in their sporting cultures.
