USA and Canada men’s ice hockey schedule as NHL players return for 2026 Olympics

February 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

Men’s ice hockey is set to reclaim the spotlight at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, driven by one key development: the return of NHL players.

For the first time since Sochi 2014, the world’s top professionals will again compete for Olympic gold after renewed agreement between the NHL and the International Olympic Committee. The decision restores elite talent to the tournament and reshapes expectations across the field.

No recent champion has owned the podium

Recent Olympic history points to a wide-open competition. Since 2014, three different teams have captured men’s ice hockey gold, with Finland, Olympic Athletes from Russia and Canada each reaching the top of the podium, according to International Olympic Committee records.

Canada’s Olympic success stretches back further. The country also claimed gold at the Vancouver 2010 Games, edging the United States in a dramatic final on home ice a result that remains a defining moment in modern Olympic hockey.

The United States, meanwhile, continue to search for a return to the top. Despite consistent medal contention, the Americans have not won men’s Olympic gold since their iconic victory at Lake Placid in 1980. Their only other title came in 1960.

Why the NHL’s return changes everything

The absence of NHL players in 2018 and 2022 following unsuccessful negotiations between the league and Olympic organisers altered the character of the tournament. Elite goaltending, top-line scoring and veteran leadership were largely missing.

That changes in Italy.

With NHL participation restored, depth and experience are expected to play a decisive role. Canada enter the tournament widely viewed as gold-medal favourites, reflecting both roster strength and Olympic pedigree. The United States are seen as their closest challengers on the men’s side and are also widely regarded as the team to beat in women’s ice hockey, according to reporting and analysis from CBC and the NHL.

Early matchups to watch

Teams have been preparing at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena ahead of the opening games.

The United States begin group play on February 12 against Latvia, before facing Denmark on February 14 and Germany on February 15.

Canada open their campaign the same day against the Czech Republic, followed by Switzerland on February 13 and France on February 15.

From group stage to gold

Teams advancing from the preliminary round will enter the playoff stage on February 17. Quarter-finals follow on February 18, with semi-finals scheduled for February 20.

The tournament concludes with the bronze-medal game on February 21 and the gold-medal final on February 22. Games will be split between the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena and the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

With the sport’s best players back on Olympic ice and no dominant champion emerging in recent Games, Milan-Cortina 2026 is shaping up to deliver one of the most competitive men’s ice hockey tournaments in decades.

Sources: International Olympic Committee, NHL, CBC