Get ready for a historic showdown on the ice! After a 12-year hiatus, NHL players are back in the Olympics, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games are set to deliver some of the most thrilling hockey action we’ve seen in years. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: four Montreal Canadiens stars will be representing their countries, and you won’t want to miss a single moment.
Oliver Kapanen, Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Alexandre Texier are gearing up to compete in the men’s hockey tournament, held from February 6 to 22, 2026, in the breathtaking cities of Milan and Cortina, Italy. This isn’t just any tournament—it’s a chance to see some of the world’s best players battle it out on the Olympic stage. And this is the part most people miss: these Canadiens teammates will actually face off against each other, adding an extra layer of drama to the games.
Here’s the breakdown of what you need to know:
Tournament Schedule:
- Preliminary Play: February 11–15
- Qualification Play-offs: February 17
- Quarterfinals: February 18
- Semi-finals: February 20
- Bronze Medal Game: February 21, 2:40 p.m. ET
- Gold Medal Game: February 22, 8:10 a.m. ET
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Kapanen (Finland) vs. Slafkovsky (Slovakia): These two will clash in their countries’ opening game on Wednesday, setting the tone for the tournament.
- Suzuki (Canada) vs. Texier (France): Mark your calendars for February 15, when these teammates become rivals in a game you won’t want to miss.
Why This Matters: The return of NHL players to the Olympics is a game-changer, bringing a level of skill and intensity we haven’t seen since 2014. But it also raises a controversial question: Does the inclusion of NHL players give certain countries an unfair advantage, or does it simply elevate the competition for everyone?
For a full schedule and more details, visit the official Olympics website. All times listed are in Eastern Time (ET).
So, what do you think? Are you Team Kapanen, Team Slafkovsky, Team Suzuki, or Team Texier? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your predictions and opinions!
