Why it’s trending today
The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey tournament is now underway in Milan-Cortina, Italy, and the U.S. is in the hunt for its first Olympic gold since the historic 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
Team USA’s opening games in Group C have set the stage for a tense knockout push, and fans around the country are tuning in — not just because of the national pride on the line, but because this roster blends elite NHL talent with a genuine shot at gold.
Here’s everything you need to follow the schedule, results, and standings.
U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey — Key Facts
- Olympic hockey dates: Feb. 11–22, 2026.
- Tournament site: Milan, Italy.
- Group placement: Group C with USA, Denmark, Germany, and Latvia.
- Preliminary schedule: USA vs. Latvia (Feb. 12), Denmark (Feb. 14), Germany (Feb. 15).
- Playoff rounds: Quarterfinals begin Feb. 17; medal games run through Feb. 22.
This Olympic tournament is the first featuring NHL players since 2014, adding star power and greater depth to the competition.
Group Stage Schedule (ET)
Preliminary Round — Group C (Team USA):
- Feb. 12: USA vs. Latvia – Opening game for the U.S. hockey team.
- Feb. 14: USA vs. Denmark – Second match of group play.
- Feb. 15: USA vs. Germany – Final preliminary game before knockouts.
All games are set for the Milano Santagiulia Arena and will air on U.S. TV (USA Network) and streaming platforms, with times in ET and local time posted by broadcasters.
How the tournament works
The men’s hockey tournament features 12 nations split into three groups (A, B, C).
- Round robin: Each team plays three preliminary games.
- Playoffs: Group winners and the best runner-up earn quarterfinal byes; other teams enter qualification playoffs.
- Medal games: Bronze medal game on Feb. 21; gold medal game on Feb. 22.
This format ensures every team plays competitive games before the bracket stage, keeping fans engaged from start to finish.
Early Standings Look Promising for USA
Although some games are still pending or just underway, standings show Team USA positioned well in Group C, leading with maximized points from the matches completed so far.
In contrast, other groups show tight competition among European powers like Sweden, Finland, and Canada, meaning the U.S. path to medal games may hinge on tiebreakers and goal differentials.
This balances national expectations with actual performance trends — a narrative many American viewers are closely watching.
Why this matters right now
Men’s Olympic hockey is one of the marquee events of the Winter Games — particularly for U.S. fans who remember the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice”, when the United States stunned the world by winning gold.
This year’s roster enters with real belief that it can break a gold-medal drought that has lasted more than four decades.
With NHL stars taking part for the first time in multiple Olympic cycles, this tournament could be remembered as the moment the U.S. returned to elite form on hockey’s most storied stage.
How to watch and stay updated
Fans can follow action live on national TV broadcasts (USA Network, other partners) and through streaming coverage with up-to-the-minute scores, highlights, and analysis.
Many Olympic ice hockey broadcasts include:
- Pre-game previews
- Live game commentary
- Post-game highlights and interviews
Social media platforms will also stream key moments, making it easy to keep tabs even on the go.
Key U.S. matchups to circle
- USA vs. Latvia — Opening Group C test.
- USA vs. Denmark — Pivotal for securing top group position.
- USA vs. Germany — Final group game with playoff implications.
- Quarterfinal onward — Each knockout game could be a medal decider.
Expect each preliminary game to influence seeding and momentum going forward.
What to watch next
As the standings tighten and elimination rounds approach, the biggest storylines will be:
- Can the U.S. maintain group lead?
- Will key NHL stars elevate performance?
- Can the Americans reach — and win — a gold-medal game?
This Olympic men’s hockey journey has just begun, and U.S. fans have plenty to follow as games unfold daily.