The 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament is fast approaching. This year’s international showcase will be special, as it marks the return of NHL players. NHL players have been absent from the Olympics since 2014 and are eager to represent their nations on the world stage.
With the time-zone difference, North American hockey fans can expect early-morning or afternoon games. Teams will compete in a group stage format before advancing to the knockout rounds.
The two teams that emerge from the knockout round will play for the gold medal. Meanwhile, the teams that come up short in the semifinals will face off in a consolation bronze medal matchup.
2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey Groups
The 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament will feature a group stage comprised of three groups. Each group will feature plenty of star power and intriguing matchups.
Canada won the gold medal the last time NHL players participated, in 2014. Only Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty remain on the 2026 Olympic roster.
Group A
- Canada
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- France
Group B
- Italy
- Finland
- Sweden
- Slovakia
Finland aim to win back-to-back gold medals after capturing gold at the 2022 Olympics. While Finland are the defending champions, Sweden is expected to top Group B, given their roster depth and scoring potential.
Italy will certainly have strong fan support as the host nation. However, they are not expected to medal and could be in for a difficult group stage.
Group C
- United States
- Latvia
- Germany
- Denmark
The United States aim to end their gold medal drought. They last won gold in Olympic men’s hockey when they hosted in 1980. Since then, they have reached the gold medal game but have come up short.
Germany will be a team to watch closely in Group C. They are led by Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, who is considered one of the top players in the NHL.
Olympic Men’s Hockey Schedule
The 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament gets underway on Feb. 11. A three-tier scoring system will be used for the group stage.
Teams will earn three points for a regulation win and two points for an overtime or shootout win. The losing team in a game decided by overtime or a shootout will earn one point.
Based on the group stage standings, teams will be reseeded before the playoff and medal rounds begin. The playoff and medal rounds begin on Feb. 17 and conclude with the gold medal game on Feb. 22.
Group A Schedule (Eastern Time)
Switzerland vs. France – Feb 12. at 6:10 AM
Czechia vs. Canada – Feb 12. at 10:40 AM
France vs. Czechia – Feb 13 at 10:40 AM
Canada vs. Switzerland – Feb. 13 at 3:10 PM
Switzerland vs. Czechia – Feb. 15 at 6:10 AM
Canada vs. France – Feb 15 at 10:40 AM
Group B Schedule (Eastern Time)
Slovakia vs. Finland – Feb. 11 at 10:40 AM
Sweden vs. Italy – Feb. 11 at 3:10 PM
Finland vs. Sweden – Feb 13. at 6:10 AM
Italy vs. Slovakia – Feb. 13 at 6:10 AM
Sweden vs. Slovakia – Feb. 14 at 6:10 AM
Finland vs. Italy – Feb. 14 at 10:40 AM
Group C Schedule (Eastern Time)
Latvia vs. United States – Feb. 12 at 3:10 PM
Germany vs. Denmark – Feb. 12 at 3:10 PM
Germany vs. Latvia – Feb. 14 at 6:10 AM
United States vs. Denmark – Feb. 14 at 3:10 PM
Denmark vs. Latvia – Feb. 15 at 1:10 PM
United States vs. Germany – Feb. 15 at 3:10 PM
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