2026 Olympic Winter Games (Men)

A symbol forged in ice. The 2026 Team Canada Olympic and Paralympic jersey is now on sale online at the Hockey Canada Online Store and at retailers across the country.
Check out the red and white Team Canada Olympic and Paralympic hockey jerseys for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
Bruce Cassidy, Peter DeBoer, Rick Tocchet and Misha Donskov will serve as assistant coaches alongside Jon Cooper.
Five referees and five linespersons have been selected to participate in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
Ninety-two players from the men’s, women’s and para hockey programs will attend National Teams Orientation Camp.
Crosby, MacKinnon, Makar, McDavid, Point and Reinhart have been named to Team Canada for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The quest for a 10th gold medal begins Feb. 12 when Canada faces off against Czechia at Milano Santa Giulia Arena.
Jon Cooper will lead Canada as head coach at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Doug Armstrong will work alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Scott Salmond to lead Team Canada through the 2026 Olympics.
Hockey Canada has issued statements following the announcement that NHLers will play in the 2026 and 2030 Olympics.

2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey: The Return of NHL Stars on the Global Stage


The 2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament promises to be a historic event, marking the return of NHL players to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014. Set against the stunning backdrop of Milano Cortina, Italy, this tournament will showcase the world’s elite hockey talent in a battle for international supremacy.

Key Details of the 2026 Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament

Event Overview

  • Event Name: 2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey
  • Location: Milan, Italy
    • Venues: PalaItalia (Santa Giulia) and Fiera Milano
  • Dates: February 5–22, 2026
  • Participating Teams: 12 national teams

Team Qualification

  • Automatic Qualifiers: Top 8 teams from the IIHF World Rankings (post-2023)
  • Host Nation: Italy
  • Additional Spots: 3 teams from Olympic qualification tournaments

Tournament Format

  • Group Stage: 3 groups of 4 teams
    • Each team plays 3 games
  • Advancement:
    • Group winners + best second-place team advance directly to quarterfinals
    • Remaining 8 teams play in qualification playoffs
  • Knockout Rounds:
    • Qualification Playoffs: February 17
    • Quarterfinals: February 18
    • Semifinals: February 20
    • Bronze Medal Game: February 21
    • Gold Medal Game: February 22

Game Rules

  • Regulations: IIHF rules apply
  • Rink Size: International-sized rinks (larger than NHL rinks)
  • Overtime:
    • Varies by round; gold medal game features 3-on-3 sudden death followed by shootout if needed

NHL Players Return to the Olympics

After missing the 2018 and 2022 Games, NHL players will officially participate in the 2026 Olympics, thanks to an agreement between the NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC 

This return elevates the level of competition and brings global attention to the tournament, with superstars like Sydney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavidLeon Draisaitl, and David Pastrňák expected to represent their nations.

Participating Nations & Groups

Group A: Canada, Finland, Switzerland, France
Group B: Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
Group C: USA, Germany, Latvia, Denmark

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Olympic tournament is more than just a competition—it's a celebration of hockey’s global reach and a preview of future international events, including the World Cup of Hockey in 2028.

Photos
Videos
2025 Great Assist Golf Tournament (Gallery 3)
In true “only at Hockey Canada” fashion, every group had the rare chance to share the fairways with Team Canada athletes—creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
2025 Great Assist Golf Tournament (Gallery 2)
hanks to the generosity of our participants and partners, the tournament raised more than $500,000, helping ensure more kids have the chance to experience everything hockey has to offer. The day was highlighted by not only great scores, but a renewed sense of purpose: continuing to make hockey accessible to all, no matter the barriers.
2025 Great Assist Golf Tournament (Gallery 1)
Athletes, donors and families came together in Kananaskis to celebrate five years of the Assist Fund.
2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games: FIN 5 – CAN 4 (SO) (Bronze)
Preston tied the game late, but Canada fell to Finland.
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