Ice Hockey: How to Follow the 2026 Winter Olympics

Feel the speed, the adrenaline, and every decisive goal: ice hockey returns to the Winter Olympics in 2026 with all the excitement you can’t miss!

Is there a sport more thrilling and fast-paced than ice hockey? In 2026, with the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, this question will be answered again at high speed and with plenty of excitement!

The anticipation to see the biggest NHL stars back in Olympic competition is immense, promising historic showdowns.

We’ve prepared this post so you don’t miss a second of this incredible journey: from apps to broadcasters, here’s everything you need.

👉 This article is for informational purposes only. Here you will find reliable apps with live game specifications.

Best Apps to Watch Olympic Ice Hockey

Missing a game because you’re away or don’t have TV access is no longer an excuse! The most practical and modern way to follow ice hockey is through streaming apps.

CBC Gem (Canada)

For fans from the home of ice hockey, CBC Gem is essential. Canada takes its Olympic coverage seriously, and CBC is known for offering extensive programming, in-depth analysis, and exclusive interviews. If you want to follow Team Canada on their path to gold, this is your app!

RAI Play (Italy)

Italy, as the host country for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games, will have RAI as its main broadcasting host. RAI Play is the broadcaster’s streaming service, providing access to live broadcasts on RAI 1 and RAI 2. For enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience, this app offers coverage and commentary with Italian passion.

Olympics: Live Sports & News (Global)

This is the must-have app for every Olympic fan. It’s not just about watching, it’s about experiencing the global event. The official Games app is your command center, offering real-time scores, goal alerts for ice hockey games, breaking news, and in-depth profiles of athletes and teams.

BBC iPlayer (UK)

The BBC is synonymous with excellence in sports broadcasting. For viewers in the UK, BBC iPlayer is the destination for Olympic coverage. It’s known for the quality of its commentary team and the catch-up service, which lets you watch full games you missed. A great choice for those who enjoy high-level analysis.

Peacock (USA)

In the United States, Peacock is the streaming platform that historically hosts the majority of Winter Olympics coverage. It stands out for offering multiple simultaneous streams, meaning you can choose exactly which ice hockey game to watch.

Globoplay (Brazil)

In Brazil, Globo holds the broadcasting rights. Globoplay, its streaming service, allows subscribers to follow live TV programming, broadcast multiple SporTV channels (if included in the package), and watch clips and highlights. It’s your best bet to watch ice hockey in Portuguese.

9Now (Australia)

For fans in Australia or Oceania, 9Now is the Channel 9 app, the main Australian broadcaster covering the event. This app is vital, especially considering the challenging time zones of Milano-Cortina. 9Now allows the Australian audience to watch a wide variety of events for free.

Broadcasters Covering the Games

For those who prefer traditional TV, the broadcasters in each country are key. Olympic coverage is a global event, and major networks dedicate large parts of their schedule to it.

If you live in one of these countries or have access to these channels, your ice hockey coverage is guaranteed!

Ice Hockey Schedule 2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, promise a schedule packed with action on the ice. Knowing when your favorite teams play is the first step to ensuring fun.

Women’s Tournament

• Start: February 5, 2026
• End: February 19, 2026
• Teams: 10 teams, including Italy as host nation
• Format: Group stage followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals

Main Matches:

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

Men’s Tournament

• Start: February 11, 2026
• End: February 22, 2026
• Teams: 12 teams, with confirmed participation of NHL players
• Format: Group stage followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals

Main Matches:

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

With the main dates in hand, it’s time to discover the apps that will bring all the ice hockey excitement straight to you!

Olympic Ice Hockey Rules and Match Structure

Olympic ice hockey follows the international rules of the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation), which has some minor differences from the NHL, but the essence remains the same: speed, contact, and strategy.

• The game is divided into three 20-minute periods of running time. The clock stops for each interruption.
• In knockout games, if tied, the match goes into overtime with the famous “golden goal” (first to score wins).
• The ice size is the biggest difference: the Olympics use the international rink (larger), requiring more skating and creating more space for passing.

Think of it this way: the larger rink emphasizes skill and endurance, making the game a true endurance test for elite athletes!

Team Distribution: Who Faces Who

The Olympic preliminary phase uses a group system. Teams are distributed by seed based on IIHF world ranking, ensuring balanced matchups and excitement from the start.

This structure ensures that strong teams, like Canada, USA, Finland, and Russian athletes under neutral flag, meet only in the later stages, increasing the thrill of decisive matchups.

And this is how the men’s and women’s tournament groups are defined:

Men

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

Note: Russia will not officially compete in the 2026 Winter Games due to IOC sanctions, but athletes may participate under neutral flag, without national symbols.

Women

• Group A: Canada, USA, Finland, Czechia, Switzerland
• Group B: Japan, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France

Womens-match-between-USA-and-Canada-(Source-Google)

NHL Stars in the 2026 Olympics

This is the big news heating up ice hockey fans! After absences in previous editions, the NHL has released its players to participate in Milano-Cortina 2026.

Imagine seeing Connor McDavid skating for Team Canada or Auston Matthews representing the USA! The return of NHL professionals ensures the highest level of excellence and rivalry.

• The competition level will be insane, as Olympic teams will have full rosters.
• Keep an eye on “rookies” and young stars who could use the Olympic stage to establish themselves as legends.
• It’s the chance to see NHL idols representing their nations: a feeling of patriotism that only the Olympics provide.

What to Expect in Ice Hockey After Milano-Cortina

The 2026 Games mark a milestone: the return of NHL stars and the consolidation of women’s ice hockey, which is increasingly globally competitive.

• Legacy: The tournament should boost the sport in countries where it is still little known but has growth potential.
• Rivalries: New generations of athletes will reignite major rivalries, like Canada vs USA.
• Future: Success in 2026 is crucial to ensure NHL player participation in future Olympic cycles.

This will be one of the most memorable editions of Olympic ice hockey! So, get ready to cheer hard and live every moment! The Winter Olympics are a celebration of sport and passion.