Ice hockey will be one of the main attractions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The women’s tournament runs from February 5 to 19, while the men’s event takes place from February 11 to 22.
Both will be held on NHL-sized rinks in two new arenas in Milan. Fans can look forward to the best players from around the world, including NHL stars, battling for Olympic gold.
The tournaments feature 10 women’s teams and 12 men’s teams, split into groups before moving to the knockout stage. Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, and other top nations return, while Italy takes part as the host country.
Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Schedule 2026
The Olympic ice hockey schedule is spread across the full two weeks of the Games, with 58 matches in total. Both men’s and women’s tournaments finish with medal games in Milan.
Women’s Tournament
- Runs from February 5 to 19, 2026
- Gold medal game: February 19 at 19:10 CET (1:10 PM ET)
- Bronze medal game: February 19 at 14:40 CET (8:40 AM ET)
Men’s Tournament
- Runs from February 11 to 22, 2026
- First games: Slovakia vs Finland and Sweden vs Italy on February 11
- Gold medal game: February 22
Women’s Ice Hockey Schedule (Feb 5–19, 2026)
| Date | Match Highlights (Examples) | Time (CET) | Time (ET) | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Feb 5 | Opening Games (Women’s) | 12:00 / 16:00 / 20:00 | 6:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Group Stage |
| Feb 6–13 | Daily group stage matches | Various (12:00–20:00) | 6:00 AM–2:00 PM | Group Stage |
| Tue, Feb 16 | Quarterfinals | 12:00 / 16:00 / 20:00 | 6:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Knockout |
| Thu, Feb 18 | Semifinals | 16:00 / 20:00 | 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Knockout |
| Fri, Feb 19 | Bronze Medal Game | 14:40 | 8:40 AM | Medal |
| Fri, Feb 19 | Gold Medal Game | 19:10 | 1:10 PM | Medal |
Men’s Ice Hockey Schedule (Feb 11–22, 2026)
| Date | Match Highlights (Examples) | Time (CET) | Time (ET) | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, Feb 11 | Slovakia vs Finland / Sweden vs Italy | 12:00 / 20:00 | 6:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Group Stage |
| Feb 12–16 | Daily group stage matches | Various (12:00–20:00) | 6:00 AM–2:00 PM | Group Stage |
| Tue, Feb 17 | Qualification Round | 12:00 / 16:00 / 20:00 | 6:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Knockout |
| Wed, Feb 18 | Quarterfinals | 12:00 / 16:00 / 20:00 | 6:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Knockout |
| Fri, Feb 20 | Semifinals | 16:00 / 20:00 | 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Knockout |
| Sun, Feb 22 | Bronze Medal Game | 10:00 | 4:00 AM | Medal |
| Sun, Feb 22 | Gold Medal Game | 14:00 | 8:00 AM | Medal |
Also check: Winter Olympics 2026 full Schedule
Olympics 2026 Ice Hockey Venues
All Olympic ice hockey games at Milano Cortina 2026 will be played in Milan, one of the four main clusters of the Games. Two new arenas will host the action:
- Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena – main venue for medal games and major matchups, with NHL-sized ice.
- Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena – secondary venue for group stage matches, also NHL-sized.
Both arenas will meet international standards and give fans a modern Olympic hockey experience.
Teams & Qualification
Women’s Ice Hockey (10 Teams)
- Canada
- United States
- Finland
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Sweden
- Germany
- France
- Italy (host)
Men’s Ice Hockey (12 Teams)
- Canada
- United States
- Finland
- Sweden
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Slovakia
- Latvia
- Denmark
- France
- Italy (host)
Russia and Belarus remain suspended, which opened the way for France to claim the final spot.
Group Stage Draw
Men’s Ice Hockey Groups
| Group A | Group B | Group C |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Finland | United States |
| Czechia | Sweden | Germany |
| Switzerland | Slovakia | Latvia |
| France | Italy | Denmark |
Women’s Ice Hockey Groups
| Group A (Top Seeds) | Group B |
|---|---|
| United States | Japan |
| Canada | Sweden |
| Finland | Germany |
| Czechia | France |
| Switzerland | Italy (Host) |
Tournament Format
Women’s Format
- Two groups of five
- All five Group A teams + top three from Group B move to quarterfinals
- Knockout from quarterfinals to finals
Men’s Format
- Three groups of four
- Three group winners + best second-place team go to quarterfinals
- Remaining teams play qualification round for last four spots
- Knockout from quarterfinals to finals
NHL Players at 2026 Olympics
For the first time since 2014, NHL stars are officially set to play at the Winter Olympics. The NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC agreed to allow participation at Milano Cortina 2026 and the 2030 Games. Teams released early six-player rosters in 2025, confirming top NHL talent for Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, and more. This guarantees world-class quality and fan excitement on Olympic ice.
Historic Context
Ice hockey first appeared in the 1920 Olympics and moved to the Winter Games in 1924. Canada ruled early years, while the Soviet Union rose to power in 1956. The 1980 Miracle on Ice, when the USA beat the USSR, remains one of the most famous moments in sports. Women’s hockey joined in 1998, and since then Canada and the USA have dominated the finals.
How to Watch Olympics 2025 Ice Hockey & Tickets
- In the United States, games will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
- In Canada, coverage is through CBC/Radio-Canada.
- Other countries will have local Olympic broadcast partners.
Tickets are sold only through the official Milano Cortina 2026 portal. Fans are advised to avoid third-party resellers.
Ice Hockey Winter Olympics 2026 FAQs
When does Olympic ice hockey start in 2026?
The women’s tournament begins on February 5, 2026, while the men’s event starts on February 11, 2026.
How many teams are playing in Olympic ice hockey?
There are 10 teams in the women’s tournament and 12 teams in the men’s tournament.
Where will the games be held?
All games will be played in Milan, Italy, at the new Santagiulia Arena and Rho Arena.
Are NHL players taking part in 2026?
Yes. NHL players are cleared to play in both the 2026 and 2030 Winter Olympics.
Who are the defending champions?
At Beijing 2022, Finland won the men’s gold and Canada won the women’s gold. Both will defend their titles in Milan.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through the official Milano Cortina 2026 portal. Fans should avoid third-party resellers.
Ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics promises fast action, star players, and packed arenas in Milan. With NHL talent back, rivalries like USA vs Canada and Finland vs Sweden will bring world-class drama on Olympic ice. Fans can expect two weeks of unforgettable hockey.
