The Men’s Ice Hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics has entered its most exciting phase, with the medal rounds now underway. The competition has gained massive global attention as NHL players have returned to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, bringing some of the biggest names in the sport back to the international stage.
Superstars like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Sidney Crosby, and Nikita Kucherov are leading their national teams, making this edition one of the strongest and most competitive Olympic hockey tournaments in recent history.
Tournament Overview
The men’s event features 12 teams, divided into three groups. The group stage was played from February 11 to February 15, followed by knockout rounds starting February 17. The top eight teams advanced to the quarterfinals, and now the race for the medals is down to the final contenders.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Italy |
| Venues | Milano Santagulia Arena, Milano Rho Arena |
| Total Teams | 12 |
| Group Stage | Feb 11–15, 2026 |
| Knockouts | Feb 17–22, 2026 |
| Format | Top 8 to Quarterfinals, then Semis & Medal Matches |
| Special Note | Russia and Belarus not participating |
Teams and Groups
The tournament began with three balanced groups featuring traditional hockey powerhouses and emerging nations.
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, France |
| Group B | Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy |
| Group C | USA, Germany, Latvia, Denmark |
Semifinals – Friday, February 20, 2026
| Match | Time (ET) | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada vs Finland | 10:40 AM ET | 9:10 PM IST |
| USA vs Slovakia | 3:10 PM ET | 1:40 AM IST (Feb 21) |
These matchups will decide the finalists and the teams that will compete for the bronze medal.
Also see: 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Singles Free Skate Results
Medal Matches
| Match | Date | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze Medal Match | Saturday, February 21 | 1:10 AM IST |
| Gold Medal Match | Sunday, February 22 | 6:40 PM IST |
Fans are especially excited about the Canada vs Finland clash, which many are calling a “final before the final” due to the strength of both squads.
Also see: Oriol Cardona Coll Wins First Men’s Ski Mountaineering Olympic Gold – Winter Olympics 2026
Where to Watch in India
Indian viewers can follow the action through multiple digital platforms.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Olympics.com / Olympics App | Free live streaming |
| JioCinema / JioHotstar | Selected matches & highlights |
| YouTube (Olympics Channel) | Selected live streams & highlights |
| Sports18 / Sony TEN | Highlights and analysis |
For live scores and real-time updates, fans can also check Olympics.com and major sports score platforms.
Latest Updates and Talking Points
The return of NHL players has significantly raised the level of competition and fan interest. Social media trends like #OlympicHockey and #NHLinOlympics show the global excitement around the tournament.
Meanwhile, momentum is building ahead of the medal games, with Canada, USA, and Finland emerging as strong title contenders. The women’s tournament has already seen USA win gold, adding to the overall hockey buzz at the Milan-Cortina Games.
With the semifinals set and the gold medal game scheduled for February 22, the final days promise high-intensity action and world-class performances. The return of elite professional talent has restored Olympic hockey to its peak level, and fans around the world are now waiting to see which nation will finish on top of the podium.
