The first puck throw-in will take place in 199 days

The upcoming games represent a significant moment in ice hockey history. For the first time in twelve years, NHL players will chase the hard rubber puck under the sign of the five rings, increasing the anticipation among athletes, fans, and organizers.

"We are delighted to welcome NHL players back to the Winter Games. For the IIHF, this is an important step in presenting ice hockey at the highest level on the world stage. Fans in Milan-Cortina and around the world will experience top-level competition and unforgettable moments," said Luc Tardif, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

In Milan in just over six months, at least three South Tyroleans will most likely be competing. The first six top athletes from all twelve participating nations were announced in mid-June. Among them were Damian Clara and Tommy Purdeller from the Puster Valley, as well as Diego Kostner from Val Gardena. Thomas Larkin, Luca Zanatta, and Daniel Mantenuto also appeared on this initial list.

Opening opponent Sweden boasts NHL experience "We are looking forward to the Olympic Games, which are a dream come true for most of us. The six guys we have selected are undoubtedly good players," said Jukka Jalonen, head coach of the Italian national team.

None of these six players has ever played in the NHL. By comparison, the first six nominees from opening opponents Sweden – defensemen Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), and forwards Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche), William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs), Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings), and Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings) – have a combined 4.352 NHL games under their belt and nine (!) NHL All-Star Games. Thomas Larkin is one of six players who have already been nominated for the Olympics.

In the second preliminary round match, the Jalonen team will face Slovakia on Friday, February 13th at 12.10:16.40 p.m., while the following day at 14.000:5.700 p.m., the "Blue Team" will face Finland. The two matches against the top Scandinavian nations will be played in the brand-new XNUMX-seat Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, while the match against Slovakia will take place in the XNUMX-seat Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.

Canada, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and France face off in Group A, while the USA, Germany, Latvia, and Denmark face off in Group C. The group stage concludes on February 15, and the top teams in each group and the best runner-up will advance directly to the quarterfinals.

The remaining eight teams will face each other in a knockout match on February 17 to determine the final four quarterfinalists. The quarterfinals will be played on February 18, and the semifinals on February 20. The bronze medal match will take place on Saturday, February 21, and the gold medal match on Sunday, February 22.

Women's tournament begins before the opening ceremony The women's tournament begins on February 5, 2026, with four matches, one day before the official opening ceremony. Italy will face Sweden, Germany, France, and Japan in Group B. The host nation will play its first two games at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena: against France on Thursday, February 5, at 14.40:7 p.m., and against Sweden on Saturday, February 9, at the same time. For the remaining two games, the Azzurre will move to the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, where they will face Japan on Monday, February 12.10, at 10:16.40 p.m., and Germany on Tuesday, February XNUMX, at XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Italy's women's national coach Stephanie Poirier (right) gives the players the direction.

All teams from Group A and the top three from Group B qualify for the knockout phase. The quarterfinals are scheduled for February 13 and 14, and the semifinals for February 16. The bronze (19:14.30 p.m.) and gold (19.10:XNUMX p.m.) finals will be played on February XNUMX.

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The first puck throw-in will take place in 199 days

In exactly 199 days, the men's ice hockey tournament at the 11th Olympic Winter Games begins in Milan. Slovakia and Finland will face off in the opening match at 2026:16.40 p.m. on February 21.10, XNUMX. At XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., host Italy will face Sweden in the preliminary round Group B.

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