The 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey Tournament: What to Expect, Full Schedule, and Medal Predictions
The men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina promises to be one of the marquee events of the Games. With NHL players returning for the first time in over a decade, fans can expect elite‑level competition, national pride on full display, and storylines that will define a generation of hockey talent. The tournament runs from February 11 to February 22, 2026, culminating in the gold medal game on the final day of the Olympics.
Canada’s Olympic Legacy
Ok lets start with Team Canada. Canada enters the 2026 tournament with a rich Olympic history. The nation has long been synonymous with hockey excellence, and its men’s team has captured multiple gold medals, including back‑to‑back wins in Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, both tournaments featuring NHL participation.
Those victories were iconic—Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” in 2010 remains one of the most memorable moments in recent Canadian sports history. In 2026, Crosby and Drew Doughty—both veterans of those championship teams—return as part of Canada’s roster, bringing leadership and experience to a squad filled with young NHL stars.
The Return of NHL Players
For the first time since 2014, the world’s best hockey players will represent their countries on the Olympic stage. This elevates the level of play dramatically and reshapes the competitive landscape. Powerhouses like Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland will ice rosters stacked with NHL talent, making the medal race tighter than ever. Canada’s lineup is stacked up front as they have a lot of firepower with superstars including:
- Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
- Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
- Mitch Marner – Vegas Golden Knights
- Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers
The team also includes young superstars like Macklin Celebrini from the San Jose Sharks and defenseman Thomas Harley from the Dallas Stars. It should be a fun tournament which kicks off on February 11th.
Full Preliminary Schedule (Pacific Time)
Below is the opening slate of games with Pacific Time conversions. Times listed as “Your time” in the IIHF schedule correspond to the viewer’s local time; here, they are already converted to Pacific Time.
February 11, 2026
- Slovakia vs. Finland – 7:40 AM PT
- Sweden vs. Italy – 12:10 PM PT
February 12, 2026
- Switzerland vs. France – 3:10 AM PT
- Czechia vs. Canada – 7:40 AM PT
- Latvia vs. USA – 12:10 PM PT
- Germany vs. Denmark – 12:10 PM PT
February 13, 2026
- Finland vs. Sweden – 3:10 AM PT
- Italy vs. Slovakia – 3:10 AM PT
(Additional games continue through February 22, with knockout rounds and medal games scheduled closer to the tournament.)
Canada’s first game takes place on February 12, a morning matchup that West Coast fans will want to set alarms for.
Team‑by‑Team Outlook and Medal Predictions
Gold Medal Prediction: Canada
Canada enters the tournament as the favorite for several reasons:
- Elite NHL Talent: With the return of NHL players, Canada’s depth becomes unmatched. Their roster traditionally features top‑tier forwards, mobile defensemen, and world‑class goaltending. Although their goaltending has been a point of debate, the forwards on Team Canada have more than enough firepower to win some games on their own.
- Veteran Leadership: Crosby and Doughty bring invaluable Olympic experience. Their presence stabilizes a roster filled with younger stars eager to make their mark. Superstars like Edmonton oilers centre Connor McDavid are driven to win Gold.
- Historical Success: Canada has won the last two gold medals in tournaments featuring NHL players (2010, 2014). That precedent matters.
Canada’s biggest challenge will be balancing its offensive firepower with disciplined defensive play. But with a roster built for big‑ice competition and a coaching staff familiar with international systems, Canada remains the team to beat.
Silver Medal Prediction: United States
The United States has steadily developed one of the strongest talent pipelines in the world. Their projected 2026 roster includes:
- Dynamic young forwards from the NHL’s new generation including Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres and Clayton Keller from the Utah Mammoth.
- A mobile, puck‑moving defensive corps that includes Minnesota Wild star Quinn Hughes and Long Beach, New York’s Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins.
- Goaltenders capable of stealing games; not one, not two but three tremendous goaltenders who can win games on their own including reigning NHL MVP Connor Hellebucyk of the Winnipeg Jets.
View the 2026 Olympic US Men’s Roster.
The U.S. has historically struggled to overcome Canada in best‑on‑best tournaments, but the gap has narrowed significantly. Their February 12 opener against Latvia (12:10 PM PT) will offer an early look at their chemistry.
Expect the U.S. to push Canada harder than ever, potentially setting up a North American showdown in the gold medal game.
Bronze Medal Prediction: Finland
Finland enters the 2026 Games as the defending Olympic champions from Beijing 2022 (a tournament without NHL players). Their disciplined, structured style translates well to international play, and they have a knack for overperforming relative to expectations.
Key reasons Finland earns the bronze prediction:
- Strong Goaltending: Finland consistently produces elite netminders. Tendies for this tournament include: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres, Kevin Lankinen from the Vancouver Canucks and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.
- Team Cohesion: Their roster often features players familiar with each other’s systems from international tournaments.
- Tournament Opener: Their first game against Slovakia (7:40 AM PT on Feb. 11) will set the tone.
View Finland’s men’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Finland may not match Canada or the U.S. in raw NHL star power, but their structure and discipline make them a perennial medal threat.
Dark Horse Teams to Watch
Sweden
Sweden’s roster will be filled with NHL talent, and they have historically performed well on international ice. Their opener against Italy (12:10 PM PT on Feb. 11) should be a strong start.
Czechia
Czechia faces Canada in their first game (7:40 AM PT on Feb. 12). If they can keep that game close, they could build momentum for a deep run.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 men’s hockey tournament promises to be a showcase of the world’s best talent, with NHL players returning to the Olympic stage and national rivalries reignited. Canada’s rich history, elite roster, and returning Olympic champions make them the frontrunner for gold. The United States and Finland round out the medal predictions, but Sweden and Czechia remain dangerous contenders.
With early‑morning Pacific Time games and high‑stakes matchups throughout the schedule, fans in British Columbia and across the West Coast and Canada will have plenty to look forward to as the puck drops in Milan and Cortina.
Check out all of the 2026 Winter Olympic men’s team rosters from all three Olympic groups.
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