The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan have welcomed some of the biggest names in ice hockey, as NHL players return to the Games after a 12-year gap. Their participation marks a major moment for international hockey, with the last Olympic appearance of NHL athletes dating back to Sochi 2014.
Around 150 players travelled from New York on multiple charter flights and landed in Milan ahead of the men’s hockey tournament, which begins on February 11. Teams quickly shifted into preparation mode, with practice sessions starting almost immediately after arrival at Milano Santagiulia Arena. Sweden was among the first squads to take the ice, followed by the United States, Canada, Czech Republic and Finland.
The Olympic return comes after missed appearances in 2018 and 2022. The league opted out of the PyeongChang Games, and pandemic-related scheduling challenges forced a late withdrawal from Beijing. This year’s tournament therefore represents a long-awaited reunion between the Olympics and the world’s top professional hockey league.
Several global stars have joined their national squads, including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and David Pastrnak. Sweden confirmed Gabriel Landeskog as captain, with Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson serving as alternates, while Canada named Sidney Crosby as captain with McDavid and Cale Makar supporting in leadership roles.
Participating nations include Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Host nation Italy is the only team without an NHL player on its roster. The teams have been divided into three groups:
Group A: Canada, Czechia, France, Switzerland
Group B: Finland, Italy, Slovakia, Sweden
Group C: Denmark, Germany, Latvia, United States
Players expressed excitement at being part of a multi-sport global event again. Many described the atmosphere in Milan as special, with athletes from different disciplines gathering in one place ahead of competition.
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The tournament begins on February 11, with Sweden facing Italy in one of the opening fixtures. The United States will follow with group-stage matches against Latvia on February 12, Denmark on February 14 and Germany on February 15.
With NHL talent back on Olympic ice, expectations are high for an intense and high-quality tournament, as fans look forward to seeing the world’s best players compete for national pride once again.
