Ice Hockey: Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics

Nothing is as fast, intense, and unpredictable as ice hockey, and the 2026 Games promise to prove it once again.

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Can you feel the adrenaline of the ice returning? After years of waiting, Olympic ice hockey at Milan-Cortina 2026 promises to be the most anticipated comeback of all time, with the NHL stars back.

This is the moment when rivalry goes beyond professional leagues and becomes a matter of national pride.

From tickets to apps, we’ve prepared the complete article for you to cheer every slap shot and every spectacular save.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not provide live streams. Here, you’ll find the main platforms and learn how to access them safely.

👉 This article is intended to be purely informative and does not include live game broadcasts. We provide information about streaming apps where you can watch ice hockey matches easily and safely.

Hockey in your Pocket: How to Watch Games on your Phone

Watching ice hockey has never been more accessible. If you’re away from the TV, apps are the best solution to follow every play, ensuring high-quality coverage and exclusive content. The key is knowing which app works in your region.

Peacock (United States)

For viewers in the United States, Peacock is the main destination for Olympic streaming. It offers massive coverage, transmitting not only Team USA games but also multiple simultaneous group-stage matches and full replays. The best choice for flexible scheduling.

RAI Play (Italy)

The host broadcaster, RAI, centralizes coverage in Italy. RAI Play provides access to RAI 1 and RAI 2 channels. If you’re in the region, you’ll get a complete view of the games, local analysis, and flash interviews directly from the arenas. The most authentic way to watch host-country hockey.

Olympics: Live Sports & News (World)

The official Olympics app is your information hub. Recently launched, it stands out for providing personalized schedules, real-time results, goal notifications, and news from all Milan-Cortina 2026 events, including ice hockey.

Although live streaming depends on each country’s rights, it is essential for tracking the competition.

BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom)

For the UK audience, BBC iPlayer is the public network’s platform. The BBC is known for its top-notch sports coverage, offering live games and an extensive catch-up service to watch ice hockey matches in full, with expert commentary.

CBC Gem (Canada)

For Canadians and Team Canada fans, CBC Gem is a must-have. CBC focuses intensely on ice hockey and provides detailed analysis, pre-game breakdowns, and patriotic coverage highlighting the country’s hockey tradition. No better place to follow the pursuit of gold.

9Now (Australia)

Channel 9, holding the rights in Australia, uses 9Now for streaming. For those facing Oceania’s challenging time zones, the app is crucial to watch games for free and access replays of key matchups, ensuring fans don’t miss the action.

Globoplay (Brazil)

In Brazil, Globoplay is TV Globo’s streaming platform. Subscribers can watch live transmissions from the channels and SporTV (depending on the package), as well as on-demand content, highlights, and Portuguese coverage of ice hockey.

Live TV: Channels Broadcasting Ice Hockey

Television coverage is guaranteed by official broadcasters that hold the broadcasting rights for the Games. Watching via free-to-air or cable TV in your country is the traditional way to enjoy the Olympics.

  • China: CMG (China Media Group), TDM (Macau Broadcasting)
  • France: France Télévisions, Eurosport (available in multiple European countries)
  • Germany: ARD, ZDF
  • Spain: RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española)
  • Japan: Japan Consortium
  • South Korea: KBS / MBC / SBS
  • India: DD Sports / Sony Pictures Networks India
  • Indonesia: MNC Sports / TVRI

Games, Stages, and Finals: Check Out the Olympic Hockey Schedule

The men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments are the heart of the Winter Games, and the schedule is set to start in February 2026.

The calendar is intense and full of excitement from the first drop of the puck. Here are the key dates for you:

Women – Main Games

  • 05/02: USA vs Czechia
  • 06/02: France vs Japan
  • 07/02: USA vs Finland
  • 07/02: Switzerland vs Canada
  • 09/02: Switzerland vs USA
  • 10/02: Canada vs USA
  • 13-14/02: Quarterfinals
  • 16/02: Semifinals
  • 19/02: Bronze and Gold

Men – Main Games

  • 11/02: Sweden vs Italy
  • 12/02: Czechia vs Canada
  • 12/02: Latvia vs USA
  • 14/02: USA vs Denmark
  • 15/02: Canada vs France
  • 18/02: Quarterfinals
  • 20/02: Semifinals
  • 21/02: Bronze
  • 22/02: Gold

Mark your calendar: ice hockey games will be played in three 20-minute periods, and in the playoffs, the famous “golden goal” in overtime decides the winner. Brace yourself!

Complete List of Men’s and Women’s Teams

Team selection is always exciting. The men’s groups for Milan-Cortina are mostly set. The men’s tournament will feature 12 teams, while the women’s will have 10 teams.

Men:

GroupTeams
ACanada, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy
BFinland, Germany, Czech Republic, Denmark
CUnited States, Slovakia, Latvia, France

Note: Russia will be absent as a country from the 2026 Winter Games due to IOC sanctions, but its athletes may still compete under a neutral flag, without officially representing the nation.

Women:

GroupTeams
ACanada, United States, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland
BJapan, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France

The confirmed presence of NHL players in the men’s tournament makes this list even more exciting. It’s the ice hockey dream team!

Classic Matchups that Will Electrify Hockey Fans

Olympic ice hockey is known for creating legendary matchups. With NHL players present, the intensity will be at its peak, and some duels are already on the radar.

  • Canada vs USA: The biggest hockey classic, always a battle for North American supremacy, both in men’s and women’s tournaments.
  • Finland vs Sweden: The “Scandinavia Battle” promises intense tactical rivalry and fast skating.
  • Any Group A match: Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland in the same group (along with Italy) guarantee a high-level round-robin from the start.

It’s not just a competition, it’s the story of ice hockey being written in real time. Don’t blink!

Ice hockey
Canada-vs-USA-(Source-Google)

Online Tickets: How to Secure your Spot in the Arena

If you want to feel the ice’s energy up close, it’s time to start planning! Follow these steps to not miss any game:

  • Step 1: Visit the official ticket website for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to buy general tickets.
  • Step 2: Check out hospitality packages, which include luxury services and accommodations for a complete experience.
  • Step 3: Avoid unofficial platforms. Purchases outside the official channel may result in ticket cancellation by the Organizing Committee.
  • Step 4: Pay with Visa, the official payment method, often with exclusive promotions.

Secure your spot at PalaItalia Santa Giulia to witness ice hockey history!

Olympic Ice Hockey Awaits You!

The 2026 Winter Olympics won’t just be an event, they’ll be an epic reunion between ice hockey and the global stage. The return of NHL stars and the competitive structure ensure this will be an unforgettable edition.

Don’t wait until the last minute to organize your schedule and secure access to the games! Excitement is guaranteed, whether on Italy’s ice, your phone screen, or your home TV.