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 Milan-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 in the stands, roaring with every goal.
With the return of NHL stars, the tournament promises to be… one of the most electrifying in historyA true spectacle of speed, skill, and legendary rivalries that will reignite fans’ passion for the sport.
Mark your calendar, follow the strongest teams, and find out how to watch Get a close look at this clash of ice giants that promises to make history.
👉 It is worth noting that this article is for informational purposes only. It does not include live broadcasts. Here, we present the best platforms and how to access them to watch hockey safely.
Apps and streaming so you never miss a goal.
Technology is on our side! If you’re like me and love the flexibility of watching from anywhere, these options are perfect for you. Streaming apps are your best friends for Olympic coverage.
Peacock (United States)
If you are in the USAPeacock is the main destination. NBCUniversal’s platform is known for providing live streaming of all eventsThis means you can follow every ice hockey game without worrying about cable TV scheduling.
Olympics: Live Sports & News (global)
It is your global hub for everything related to the Olympic Games. The official app is excellent for those looking for news, real-time results, highlights, and in some cases, live broadcastsEssential for following the ice hockey tournament from start to finish, no matter where you are.
CBC Gem (Canada)
It is no surprise that Canada, a nation passionate about hockey, has dedicated coverage.
CBC Gem, the streaming service of Canada’s public broadcaster, offers focused, high-quality coverage for fans who want to support their rookies and veterans.
RAI Play (Italy)
For those in Italy, RAI Play is the gateway to watching all the ice hockey matches of the Winter Olympics.
In addition to the app, RAI 1 and RAI 2 will handle live broadcasts and all the top highlightsIt is the most complete source for local real-time coverage.
BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom)
The BBC 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. This way, you won’t miss a single game, even from the other side of the world.
TV Globo (Brazil)
In Brazil, Globoplay is the digital arm of Organizações Globo.
Although the main broadcasting rights belong to Globo/Sportv, Globoplay offers news, highlights, and live streaming of 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 all the ice hockey games that will shake up 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: The action starts early, on February 5, 2026and the medals will be decided in the grand final on February 17.
- Men’s Tournament: The opening game will be on February 11, 2026Save the date February 22 to watch the final battle for the gold medal.
Where to watch ice hockey on TV
Coverage on free-to-air and cable TV varies considerably. For viewers who prefer the big screen, check out the broadcasters with transmission rights in the main regions:
- China: CMG (China Media Group) and TDM (Macau Broadcasting).
- France: France Télévisions and Eurosport.
- Germany: ARD and ZDF.
- Spain: RTVE (Spanish Radio and Television Corporation).
- Japan: Japan Consortium.
- South Korea: KBS / MBC / SBS.
- India: DD Sports / Sony Pictures Networks India.
- Indonesia: MNC Sports / TVRI.
Understanding the format and rules of Olympic hockey
For newcomers, ice hockey is dynamic and intenseThe Olympic format is divided into two phasesAnd the rules are simple, but require speed and precision:
- Format: Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s teams compete. It all begins with a round-robin group stage, where the best teams advance to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and medal matches.
- Basic rules: ice hockey games last 60 minutes, divided into three 20-minute periods. If a knockout match ends tied, there will be a 5-minute overtime period; if the tie remains, the winner will be decided by a dramatic shootout (penalties).
How the teams are organized
The battlefield is set. The presence of Italy playing at home is a highlight, but the most traditional teams promise to dominate the fight for the podium:
- Men: Canada and USA are always the favorites, but Finland, Sweden, Germany and Czech Republic are coming in strong. Other participants include Switzerland, France, Slovakia, Latvia, Denmark, and host nation Italy.
- Women: The classic USA vs Canada rivalry should repeat itself at the top, but Finland and Sweden are fighting for a spot on the podium. The list of 8 teams 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 world’s best ice hockey players representing their countries. The preliminary list of NHL stars is breathtaking.
- USA: Watch Auston Matthews, the relentless goal scorer, and the talented Tkachuk brothers, along with the grit of Jack Hughes.
- 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 most complete players in the NHL, 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 in 2026
The impact of Milan-Cortina will be lasting. The Olympic Games are just the beginning. the beginning of a new era for professional ice hockey:
- NHL expansion: Starting with the 2026-2027 season, the NHL will have an 84-game regular season schedule, increasing the sport’s visibility and fan engagement.
- Return of the World Cup: The NHL, in partnership with the IIHF and the IOC, plans to hold the Hockey World Cups in 2028 and 2032, ensuring a regular calendar of international competitions and strengthening the sport globally.
Wow, there is no doubt that this new edition of the Winter Olympics will be pure excitement from start to finish.
Each game promises intense moments, unforgettable twists, and the unique energy that only ice hockey can deliver.
Now the decision is in your hands! The stage is set for one of the most anticipated tournaments in history, and the competition promises to be fierce until the very last second.
Dive into this icy, adrenaline-filled atmosphere, follow every detail, and keep exploring more amazing content here on our site. Who knows, maybe the next great game is waiting for you?
