The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are shaping up to be a must-watch event for hockey fans, especially those who bleed orange and black. With NHL players returning to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, the tournament promises high-octane action and a chance to see some of your favorite Anaheim Ducks representing their countries. Here's your guide to navigating the ice hockey competition.
The Return of NHL Stars
After missing the last two Winter Olympics, NHL players are back, injecting a significant dose of talent and excitement into the tournament. This means a best-on-best competition, with national teams stacked with some of the biggest names in hockey. The NHL has confirmed participation in both the 2026 and 2030 Winter Games.
Tournament Format
The men's tournament will feature 12 teams, while the women's will have 10. The format for the men's competition will be similar to that used in the 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 Olympics. The 12 teams are divided into three groups of four, playing a round-robin within their group. Following the preliminary round, the top team from each group and the highest-ranked second-place team will advance directly to the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams will then compete in a qualification round to determine the final four quarterfinalists. From there, it's a standard knockout tournament, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals, followed by the bronze medal game and the gold medal game.
Venues
All ice hockey events will be held in Milan. The primary venue is the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of 16,000. Games will also be played at the Milano Ice Park (Rho Ice Hockey Arena), which can hold 6,500 spectators.
Ducks to Watch
Several Anaheim Ducks players are expected to compete in the Olympics. As of June 16, 2025, goaltender Lukas Dostal and captain Radko Gudas were named to Czechia's preliminary roster, while goaltender Damian Clara was named to host nation Italy's preliminary roster. Other potential participants include Leo Carlsson (Sweden) and Mikael Granlund (Finland). Keep an eye on these players as they represent their countries and potentially play significant roles on their respective teams.
Schedule Highlights
The women's tournament kicks off on February 5, 2026, with the gold medal game scheduled for February 19, 2026. The men's tournament begins on February 11, 2026, with the gold medal game set for February 22, 2026. Team USA will face Team Latvia on February 12, followed by Team Denmark on February 14, and Team Germany on February 15. Team Canada will also play its first game on February 12 against Team Czechia, faces Team Switzerland the next day and concludes preliminary play against Team France on February 15.
How to Watch
For viewers in the United States, anticipate that all games will be available to stream live on Peacock, with select games, including preliminary rounds, broadcast on the USA Network. Canadian viewers can catch the action on CBC Gem.
Why This Matters
The 2026 Winter Olympics offer a unique opportunity to see Anaheim Ducks players compete on the world stage against the best talent hockey has to offer. With NHL participation back in the mix, the tournament is set to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory. So, mark your calendars, Ducks fans, and get ready to cheer on your favorite players as they chase Olympic glory.