Key Takeaways
- The U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams will compete in the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, with the men’s team making their first appearance since 2014 and featuring NHL players.
- The U.S. women’s team will face off against Canada in a highly anticipated matchup on February 10, with the team led by Hilary Knight, a four-time Olympic medalist.
- The Olympic hockey tournaments will begin with Group Play, with the men’s team competing in Group C and the women’s team competing in Group A.
- NBC Olympics will provide comprehensive coverage of the Games, including broadcast details for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games.
- The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 6-22, 2026, with events held across multiple venues and regions in northern Italy.
Introduction to the Olympic Winter Games
The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are just around the corner, and the excitement is building. The U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams are gearing up to compete on the biggest stage in international hockey, with the men’s team making their first appearance since 2014. The tournament promises to be an thrilling event, with the best players from around the world vying for gold. The U.S. men’s team, led by Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Brady Tkachuk, will face off against Latvia on February 12, while the women’s team, led by Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Lee Stecklein, will take on Canada on February 10.
The U.S. Men’s Hockey Team
The U.S. men’s hockey team is looking to make a strong impression in their first Olympic appearance since 2014. The team is led by Auston Matthews, the most prolific goal scorer in the NHL since his arrival in 2016-17, as well as three-time NHL All-Stars Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk. The team also features Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, who earned the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2023-24, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, the 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner as the league MVP and a three-time Vezina Trophy recipient as the NHL’s top goaltender. With 19 first-round NHL draft picks on the roster, the U.S. men’s team is looking to bring home their first Olympic medal since 2010.
The U.S. Women’s Hockey Team
The U.S. women’s hockey team is one of the most consistent medal-winners in Olympic history, having reached the podium at every Games since women’s hockey debuted in 1998. The team is led by Hilary Knight, a four-time Olympic medalist making her fifth Olympic appearance, a record for a U.S. hockey player. Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklein, each three-time Olympic medalists and seven-time world champions, return for their fourth Games. The team will face off against Canada on February 10 in a highly anticipated matchup, with the two nations having met in the gold medal game at each of the last four Winter Olympics. The U.S. women’s team is looking to bring home their third Olympic gold medal, having previously won in 1998 and 2018.
The Olympic Hockey Tournaments
The Olympic hockey tournaments will begin with Group Play, with the men’s team competing in Group C and the women’s team competing in Group A. The men’s tournament will feature three groups of four countries, while the women’s tournament will feature two groups of five teams each. All teams will play each other team in their group once in preliminary play, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The Olympic point system will be used, with three points awarded for a win in regulation, two points for a win in overtime or a shootout, and one point for a loss in overtime or a shootout.
NBC Olympics Coverage
NBC Olympics will provide comprehensive coverage of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, including broadcast details for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games. The network will feature a team of experienced commentators, including Mike Tirico, Kenny Albert, and AJ Mleczko, who will bring the action to life for viewers across the United States. The Games will be broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, with streaming available on the NBC Sports app and Peacock. With their extensive coverage, NBC Olympics is the perfect destination for hockey fans looking to catch all the action from the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games
The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 6-22, 2026, with events held across multiple venues and regions in northern Italy. The Games will feature a unique and unforgettable backdrop, with the picturesque towns and cities of northern Italy providing a stunning setting for the world’s top athletes. The Olympics will be the second time the Games have been held in Cortina, following the 1956 Winter Olympics, and the fourth time overall that Italy has hosted an Olympic Games. With its rich history and stunning scenery, the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games promise to be an unforgettable event.