The wait is finally over. For the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games, NHL players are back in Olympic competition as Canada’s men’s hockey team opens its 2026 Winter Olympics campaign against Czechia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.
The matchup marks the beginning of what many are calling the most anticipated best-on-best international hockey tournament in over a decade.
A Historic Return for NHL Talent
When Canada last captured Olympic gold with NHL players at the 2014 Sochi Games, it was Chris Kunitz who capped off a dominant 3-0 victory in the final. Now, 12 years later, a new generation of superstars headlines the Canadian roster.
Adding to the historic moment, Macklin Celebrini scored with six seconds left in the first period against Czechia, marking Canada’s first Olympic men’s hockey goal with NHL players since that golden night in Sochi.
With the return of elite talent, expectations are sky-high for Team Canada.
Star-Studded Canadian Lineup
Canada’s roster reads like an NHL All-Star team.
Leading the charge is captain Sidney Crosby, joined by alternate captains Connor McDavid and Cale Makar. Alongside them is superstar centre Nathan MacKinnon.
The trio of Crosby, McDavid and MacKinnon alone boast a combined six Hart Memorial Trophies (NHL MVP awards), underscoring the elite pedigree Canada brings into this tournament.
Team Canada Roster Highlights
Forwards:
- Sam Bennett
- Macklin Celebrini
- Sidney Crosby (Captain)
- Brandon Hagel
- Bo Horvat
- Seth Jarvis
- Nathan MacKinnon
- Brad Marchand
- Mitch Marner
- Connor McDavid (Alternate Captain)
- Sam Reinhart
- Mark Stone
- Nick Suzuki
- Tom Wilson
Defencemen:
- Drew Doughty
- Thomas Harley
- Cale Makar (Alternate Captain)
- Josh Morrissey
- Colton Parayko
- Travis Sanheim
- Shea Theodore
- Devon Toews
Goaltenders:
- Jordan Binnington
- Darcy Kuemper
- Logan Thompson
Head coach Jon Cooper has confirmed that Jordan Binnington will start in goal for the opener against Czechia. While goaltending has been viewed as Canada’s only potential question mark, the team’s structured defensive core and offensive firepower could more than compensate.
Czechia Brings Serious Firepower
Czechia is far from an easy opening opponent. Their roster also features high-end NHL talent, led by elite winger David Pastrnak, veteran centre Tomas Hertl, and dynamic forward Martin Necas.
Team Czechia Roster Highlights
Forwards:
- Roman Cervenka
- Filip Chlapik
- Radek Faksa
- Jakub Flek
- Tomas Hertl
- David Kampf
- Ondrej Kase
- Dominik Kubalik
- Martin Necas
- Ondrej Palat
- David Pastrnak
- Lukas Sedlak
- Matej Stransky
- David Tomasek
Defencemen:
- Radko Gudas
- Filip Hronek
- Michal Kempny
- Tomas Kundratek
- Jan Rutta
- Radim Simek
- David Spacek
- Jiri Tichacek
Goaltenders:
- Lukas Dostal
- Karel Vejmelka
- Dan Vladar
Playing in Group A alongside Switzerland and France, Czechia is widely considered Canada’s toughest test in the preliminary round. A strong start will be critical for both teams as they look to secure favourable positioning for the knockout stage.
Canada’s Medal Momentum at Milano-Cortina
Canada enters the hockey tournament riding early momentum at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games. The country’s medal count stands at six after securing two silver medals earlier in the day.
Éliot Grondin claimed silver in men’s snowboard cross, repeating the gold-silver podium finish from Beijing 2022 alongside Austria’s Alessandro Haemmerle. Meanwhile, Mikaël Kingsbury added another silver in men’s moguls, further cementing his Olympic legacy by setting the record for the most all-time medals in men’s freestyle skiing.
In women’s hockey, Canada dominated Finland 5-0 to close out the preliminary round and will now face Germany in the quarterfinals.
Controversy at the Games
Elsewhere at the Games, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych withdrew after refusing an IOC request to change his helmet, which honours athletes killed in the war in Ukraine. His withdrawal has sparked discussion across the Olympic community.
Game Details: How to Watch
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
Puck Drop: 10:40 a.m. EST / 7:40 a.m. PST
Location: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
TV Broadcast: CBC, Sportsnet One, TSN1
Streaming: CBC Gem (free), Sportsnet+, TSN (with provider login)
Pre-game coverage begins at 10:30 a.m. EST.
A Tournament 12 Years in the Making
There have been five previous Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players, with Canada winning three — including back-to-back gold medals in 2010 and 2014. With the world’s best players once again competing under their national flags, the stakes have never been higher.
For Canada, this is more than just a group-stage game. It’s a statement opportunity.
With Crosby’s leadership, McDavid’s speed, MacKinnon’s power and a roster stacked at every position, Team Canada aims to begin its quest for Olympic gold in emphatic fashion.
The puck drops in Milan — and the world will be watching.
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