The ice will shake in 2026! All eyes are on Italy, where ice hockey promises to be one of the most intense attractions of the Winter Olympics.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will bring the best of ice hockey from around the world to Italy, promising days of pure excitement on the ice and stands cheering with every goal.
With the return of NHL stars, the tournament promises to be one of the most electrifying in history, a true spectacle of speed, skill, and legendary rivalries that will reignite fans’ passion for the sport.
Mark your calendar, follow the strongest teams, and discover how to watch up close this clash of ice giants that promises to make history.
👉 It’s worth mentioning that this article is for informational purposes only. It does not contain live broadcasts. Here, we showcase the best platforms and how to access them to watch hockey safely.
Apps and Streaming to Never Miss a Goal
Technology is on our side! If you’re like me and love the flexibility of watching anywhere, these streaming apps are your best friends for Olympic coverage.
Peacock (United States)
If you are in the USA, Peacock is the main destination. NBCUniversal’s platform is known for providing live coverage of all events, which means you can follow every ice hockey game without worrying about cable TV schedules.
Olympics: Live Sports & News (Global)
It’s your global hub for everything Olympic. The official app is excellent for those seeking news, real-time results, highlights, and in some cases, live broadcasts. Essential for following the ice hockey tournament from start to finish, no matter your location.
CBC Gem (Canada)
It’s no surprise that Canada, a nation passionate about hockey, has dedicated coverage.
CBC Gem, the Canadian public broadcaster’s streaming service, offers focused, high-quality coverage for fans wanting to support their rookies and veterans.
RAI Play (Italy)
For those in Italy, RAI Play is the gateway to watch all the ice hockey at the Winter Olympics.
In addition to the app, RAI 1 and RAI 2 will handle live broadcasts and all highlights. It is the most complete source for local, real-time coverage.
BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom)
The BBC’s streaming service is the best option for fans in the UK.
BBC iPlayer provides complete, free coverage of the event, including replays and key moments, making it easier for those dealing with time zone differences.
9Now (Australia)
For audiences in Australia, 9Now will provide access to ice hockey. The platform offers full coverage, highlights, and replays so you won’t miss the games, even from the other side of the world.
TV Globo (Brazil)
In Brazil, Globoplay is the digital arm of Organizações Globo.
Although the main broadcast rights belong to Globo/Sportv, Globoplay offers news, highlights, and may stream live from Sportv channels depending on your subscription. It is the best way to stay updated in Portuguese.
2026 Olympic Hockey Schedule: Mark Your Calendar
It’s time to organize your routine and follow every ice hockey game that will shake the Winter Olympics. The men’s and women’s tournaments will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with the finals delivering maximum adrenaline.
- Women’s Tournament: Action kicks off early, on February 5, 2026, and medals will be decided in the grand final on February 17.
- Men’s Tournament: The opening match will be on February 11, 2026. Save the date February 22 to watch the final showdown for the gold medal.
Where to Watch Ice Hockey on TV
Coverage on open and cable TV varies widely. For viewers who prefer the big screen, check out the broadcasters with rights in key regions:
- China: CMG (China Media Group) and TDM (Teledifusão de Macau).
- France: France Télévisions and Eurosport.
- Germany: ARD and ZDF.
- Spain: RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española).
- Japan: Japan Consortium.
- South Korea: KBS / MBC / SBS.
- India: DD Sports / Sony Pictures Networks India.
- Indonesia: MNC Sports / TVRI.
Understanding the Olympic Hockey Format and Rules
For newcomers, ice hockey is dynamic and intense. The Olympic format is divided into two phases, and the rules are simple but require speed and precision:
- Format: 12 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams compete. It starts with a round-robin group stage, where the top teams advance to the quarterfinals, followed by semifinals and the medal matches.
- Basic Rules: Ice hockey games last 60 minutes, divided into three 20-minute periods. If a knockout game ends in a tie, there is a 5-minute overtime, if still tied, the winner is decided by a dramatic shootout (penalty shots).
How the Teams Are Organized
The battlefield is set. The presence of Italy as host is a highlight, but the most traditional teams promise to dominate the fight for the podium:
- Men’s: Canada and the USA are always favorites, but Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Czech Republic come strong. Other participants include Switzerland, France, Slovakia, Latvia, Denmark, host Italy.
- Women’s: The classic USA vs. Canada rivalry should repeat at the top, but Finland and Sweden are fighting for a podium spot. The 8-team list includes Japan, Switzerland, Germany, and neutral athletes (Russia, status to be confirmed).
NHL Talents You Need to Know
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the perfect chance to see the best ice hockey players in the world representing their countries. The preliminary NHL star list is jaw-dropping.
- USA: Watch Auston Matthews, the relentless scorer, and the talented Tkachuk Brothers, with the grit of Jack Eichel.
- Canada: A constellation led by the legendary Sidney Crosby, the speed and genius of Connor McDavid, and the solid defense of Cale Makar.
- Germany: Leon Draisaitl, one of the NHL’s most complete players, and Moritz Seider promise to take the Germans far.
- Finland: Counting on the technique of Sebastian Aho and the offensive strength of Mikko Rantanen.
Beyond the Ice: The Future of Hockey 2026
The impact of Milano-Cortina will be lasting. The Olympics are just the beginning of a new era for professional ice hockey:
- NHL Expansion: Starting in the 2026-2027 season, the NHL will have a regular 84-game schedule, increasing the sport’s visibility and fan engagement.
- World Cup Return: The NHL, in partnership with IIHF and the IOC, plans to hold the Hockey World Cups in 2028 and 2032, ensuring a regular international competition calendar and strengthening the sport globally.
Wow, there’s no doubt that this new edition of the Winter Olympics will be pure excitement from start to finish.
Each game promises intense moments, unforgettable comebacks, and the unique energy that only ice hockey can deliver.
Now it’s up to you! The stage is set for one of the most anticipated tournaments in history, and the competition promises to heat up until the very last second.
Dive into this icy, adrenaline-filled atmosphere, follow every detail, and keep exploring more incredible content here on our site. Who knows the next big game could be waiting for you?
