Ice hockey: Dream start for a favored quartet

Following the opening matches on Wednesday, the remaining eight teams entered the action of the Olympic ice hockey tournament in Milan on Thursday. Four of the favorites secured comfortable victories.

February 13, 2026

From: dpa/mv

Germany's national ice hockey team kicked off their Olympic tournament with a victory against Denmark, featuring HCP defenseman Markus Lauridsen. Led by superstar Leon Draisaitl, the German Ice Hockey Federation's team won 3-1 on Thursday evening thanks to the NHL forwards.

The puck was in the net after just 23 seconds – Edmonton Oilers star Draisaitl was the scorer (1st minute). However, after a mistake by German goalie Philipp Grubauer, young Oscar Fisker Mølgaard tied the game (14th minute). A one-timer by Tim Stützle put Germany back in the lead (25th minute), before the 24-year-old struck again – this time on the power play and after a pass from Draisaitl (31st minute).

USA wins match in second period

The Americans also enjoyed a perfect start. The team, coached by New York Rangers manager Mike Sullivan, defeated Latvia 5-1. The game began briskly, with Matthew Tkachuk's brother Brady putting the US team in the lead (6th minute). However, Renars Krastenbergs equalized just under two minutes later after a defensive lapse by the Americans (8th minute). After two disallowed US goals (one for offside and one for goaltender interference), the teams went into the first intermission.

NHL powerhouse (from left): Matthew Tkachuk, two-goal scorer Brock Nelson, and Jack Hughes. © APA/afp / ALEXANDER NEMENOV

The scoring finally came in the second period: A brace from Brock Nelson (31st, 40th minute) and a power-play goal from Tage Thompson (38th minute) put the US team firmly on the path to victory. In the final period, Latvia's goalie Elvis Merzlikins was replaced by backup Arturs Silovs, who then conceded a goal to Toronto superstar Auston Matthews (43rd minute).

Victories also for Switzerland and Canada

Switzerland secured a 4-0 victory against France earlier in the afternoon. The reigning world championship runners-up were able to celebrate after just 55 seconds when Damien Riat scored the opening goal on the power play (1st minute). Janis Moser then added a second goal (4th minute). After a scoreless second period, Timo Meier of the New Jersey Devils sealed the victory with two goals in the final period (51st and 57th minutes).

Sidney Crosby (left) and Connor McDavid are aiming to lead Canada to Olympic triumph. © APA/afp / ALEXANDER NEMENOV

The Canadians also got off to a flying start in the tournament, thrashing the Czech Republic 5-0. Superstar Connor McDavid didn't score, but he did contribute three assists. Veteran Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins also tallied two assists. The goals, however, were scored by five different players: Macklin Celebrini (20th minute), Mark Stone (27th), Bo Horvat (38th), Nathan MacKinnon (48th), and Nick Suzuki (54th).

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Keywords hockey Olympics 2026 Tournament