Canada Eyes Gold: Hockey at Milano Cortina 2026
The moment Canadian hockey fans have been waiting for since 2014 is finally here. For the first time since Sochi, NHL players will participate in the Winter Olympic Games. For Team Canada, this also represents a goal that hasn’t been achieved since Sochi: a place atop the podium in men’s Olympic hockey.
“There are days when I know it’s been 12 years, and other days when it feels like yesterday,” comments captain and two-time Olympic gold medalist Sidney Crosby. “But it’s really great. I think there’s been a lot of anticipation since we found out we were going back to the Olympics and the team announcement.”
“It’s great to be with the guys, get on the ice and get going, see the speed and try to improve and become a team here.”
Canada’s Quest for Gold Begins
Canada’s quest for gold at Milano Cortina 2026 will launch on Thursday when the team faces Czechia at 10:40 AM ET. This will be the first of three preliminary round games for Canada, who will also play against Switzerland on Friday and France on Saturday.
Czechia: A Formidable Opponent
David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins forward, leads Team Czechia and was the flag bearer during the opening ceremony last Friday. While Team Czechia doesn’t have the depth of Team Canada, the presence of Pastrnak, Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche, and Tomas Hartl of the Vegas Golden Knights could make them a tough opponent at Milano Cortina 2026.
Czechia has often presented a challenge to Canada on the international stage, particularly at the IIHF World Junior Championships in recent years, where the Czechs have secured at least one victory against the Canadians in the last four tournaments. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Canadians certainly remember Czechia’s shootout victory over Team Canada, a tournament in which the Czechs won gold. Canada defeated Czechia in the bronze medal game at PyeongChang 2018.
Looking to Improve
In Milan, Team Canada will attempt to improve upon its result after that bronze medal and a sixth-place finish at Beijing 2022.
“It was tough,” Crosby explains when asked how it was for NHL players who weren’t able to participate in the last two Winter Olympic Games. “You’re always trying not to get your hopes up too much, but you also have to be prepared in case you go.”
“It’s kind of a rollercoaster. I’m really happy we get the opportunity to come back. It’s an incredible experience.”
A Legacy of Olympic Success
Canada has won gold in three of the five Winter Olympic Games in which NHL players have participated. The last gold medal, at Sochi 2014, was marked by a dominant defensive performance. Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings, 36, is the only defenseman on the 2026 Canadian Olympic team who was also on the ice at Sochi.
Alongside Doughty, the defense will be comprised of Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Devon Toews (Colorado Avalanche), Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets), Thomas Harley (Dallas Stars), Colton Parayko (St. Louis Blues), Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights), and Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers).
“It means a lot to us,” Doughty says regarding his return to the Winter Olympics. “It’s been so long since the last time. It’s all we can think about when we come here. You try not to think about it too much and focus on the game and the period at hand. That’s just how it is.”
Leadership and Firepower
Crosby, who was once again named captain of Team Canada on Monday, is the only other Canadian with Olympic experience. The 38-year-old has played at both Sochi 2014 and Vancouver 2010, like Doughty. Crosby has five goals and five assists in 13 Olympic games, including his unforgettable golden goal at Vancouver.
Leading Team Canada will also be Makar and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, who will both serve as alternate captains. McDavid currently leads the league in points with 93, closely followed by his Team Canada teammates Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) and Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks).
During Canada’s initial practices, McDavid, Celebrini, and Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals formed a line combining speed, talent, and toughness.
“Yeah, it was really fun,” McDavid said about that trio. “They’re very different players, but excellent in their own right. Macklin is having a great year in San Jose, and Wilson brings size, speed, and physicality.”
Recent Roster Changes
Two players have been replaced due to injuries since the team was announced on New Year’s Eve. Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point have been replaced by Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes.
The men’s hockey tournament will take place from February 11th to 22nd with games presented at the Rho Hockey Arena in Milan and the Santa Giulia Hockey Arena in Milan. Team Canada will be in action in Group A against Switzerland, Czechia, and France. Group B will be comprised of Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, and Italy, and Group C of the United States, Germany, Latvia, and Denmark.
