MILAN, 21 February 2026 – The men’s ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has reached its final crescendo. Following a thrilling day of semi-final action on Friday, the gold medal match is now set, marking the return of NHL superstars to the Olympic stage for the first time in 12 years.
Canada Advances to Gold Medal Final
In a high-stakes semi-final on Friday, 20 February, Team Canada secured their place in the final with a tense 3-2 victory over Finland. The win marks Canada’s first appearance in an Olympic men’s hockey final since Sochi 2014. Captain Sidney Crosby and tournament points leader Connor McDavid have been instrumental in the Canadian campaign, with McDavid recently setting a new record for the most points (12) in a single Olympic tournament featuring NHL players.
The second semi-final saw Team USA face off against Slovakia. The Americans, led by a young core including Brock Faber and Jake Sanderson, entered the match seeking their first berth in a gold medal game since 2010. Slovakia, the surprise package of the tournament, reached the final four after receiving a bye through the preliminary rounds and maintaining a disciplined defensive structure.
Tournament Structure and Venues
The 2026 ice hockey competitions are being held across two primary venues within the Milan cluster: the PalaItalia and the Fiera Milano. The men’s tournament featured 12 nations split into three groups of four during the preliminary rounds, eventually narrowing down through a qualification play-off and single-elimination knockout bracket.
2026 Men’s Ice Hockey Knockout Results
| Stage | Date (2026) | Matchup | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification Play-off | 17 February | Germany vs. France | Germany 5-1 France |
| Qualification Play-off | 17 February | Switzerland vs. Italy | Switzerland 3-0 Italy |
| Qualification Play-off | 17 February | Czechia vs. Denmark | Czechia 3-2 Denmark |
| Quarter-final | 18 February | Canada vs. Czechia | Canada Wins |
| Semi-final | 20 February | Canada vs. Finland | Canada 3-2 Finland |
| Semi-final | 20 February | USA vs. Slovakia | [Final Score Pending] |
Key Highlights and Public Insights
The inclusion of 148 NHL players has significantly elevated the speed and quality of play in Milan. Public sentiment has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the return of best-on-best international hockey. Fans on social media have highlighted the “heated rivalries” renewed on Olympic ice, particularly the physical quarter-final matches involving Sweden and Canada.
While Nordic neighbours Sweden and Finland performed strongly, commentators have noted the absence of Norway from the hockey bracket, despite Norway currently leading the overall 2026 Winter Olympics medal table in other disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Men’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game?
The men’s gold medal match is scheduled for Sunday, 22 February 2026, the final day of the Winter Games.
Where are the hockey games being played?
The primary venues for ice hockey at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games are the PalaItalia and the Fiera Milano in Milan, Italy.
Who is the leading scorer in the 2026 Olympics?
As of 21 February 2026, Connor McDavid leads the tournament with 12 points, a record for an Olympic tournament featuring NHL participation.
When do the Paralympic Winter Games begin?
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which include Para Ice Hockey, are scheduled to take place from 7 March to 15 March 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.