Where to Watch Ice Hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The ice is going to shake in 2026! If you want to catch every game, goal, and overtime, here’s your complete guide to finding out where to watch ice hockey at the Winter Olympics.

Can you imagine yourself at the rink’s edge, feeling the cold wind of Milan as NHL stars battle for Olympic gold? That’s the promise of ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The return of the biggest stars from the American professional league (NHL) will take the tournament to historic heights, turning every face-off into an epic clash.

To make sure you don’t miss a second of this high-speed, high-stakes excitement, we’ve prepared the ultimate article with all the dates, streaming options, and top contenders. Let’s dive in!

Ice Hockey 2026: Key Dates

Mark your calendar to make sure your couch becomes the best seat in the arena! The ice hockey competitions will be intense and spread over two weeks, culminating with the medal matches.

• 2026 Winter Olympics: The event runs from February 6 to February 22, 2026, covering almost the entire ice hockey tournament period.
• Women’s tournament: The action starts first, from February 5 to 19, 2026. The women’s final always delivers a legendary rivalry.
• Men’s tournament: The men’s games, featuring NHL’s elite, will take place from February 11 to 22, 2026. The gold medal match will close the Games in grand style.
• Official arenas: Matches will be held at the modern Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena and Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Where to Watch: Apps and Streaming

Technology is your best ally to keep up regardless of time zones. Check out the streaming platforms that offer the most complete coverage of ice hockey around the world:

Peacock (United States)

In the U.S., Peacock TV is the home of the Olympics. As NBC’s platform, the rights holder, it delivers thousands of hours of coverage, including nearly every ice hockey match, often with exclusive camera angles.

CBC Gem (Canada)

For Canadians, the passion for hockey is unmatched. CBC Gem streams all the action live, offering heartfelt coverage focused on Team Canada, complete with deep analysis of the nation’s favorite sport.

Olympics: Live Sports & News (Worldwide)

The official app of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is your global portal. It provides exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, real-time news, and detailed athlete profiles, serving as the main hub for general Olympic info.

RAI Play (Italy)

Italy’s public broadcaster, RAI, will provide extensive coverage. Live broadcasts and highlights will air on RAI 1 and RAI 2, while the RAI Play platform offers streaming and on-demand content. The perfect choice to feel the local Olympic atmosphere.

BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom)

The BBC ensures top-notch coverage, and BBC iPlayer is its catch-up and streaming service. Available on multiple devices, it’s known for its broadcast quality and insightful commentary.

9Now (Australia)

In Australia, coverage will air through 9Now. The free streaming service will broadcast all the key Olympic moments, including ice hockey, ensuring fans across Oceania don’t miss a thing.

TV Globo and Globoplay (Brazil)

In Brazil, Grupo Globo holds exclusive broadcast rights (open TV, cable, and streaming). Globoplay offers multiple simultaneous feeds, meaning you can choose one dedicated entirely to ice hockey, complete with Portuguese commentary and on-demand SporTV content.

Broadcasters and Channels to Watch Every Olympic Goal

If you’re outside the regions listed above or prefer traditional TV, here are the official broadcasters in key markets:
1. China

• CMG (China Media Group)
• TDM (Teledifusão de Macau)

2. France

• France Télévisions
• Eurosport

3. Germany

• ARD
• ZDF

4. Spain

• RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española)

5. Japan

• Japan Consortium

6. South Korea

• KBS / MBC / SBS

7. India

• DD Sports / Sony Pictures Networks India

8. Indonesia

• MNC Sports / TVRI

How Athletes Prepare for Milan-Cortina 2026

Olympic gold isn’t won in February, it’s earned the summer before. Ice hockey athletes undergo intense and disciplined preparation long before they hit the rink.

• Summer is for the gym: Winter athletes dedicate 80–90% of their training to the off-season (summer and fall). Strength, conditioning, and agility workouts dominate this phase.
• Adapting to NHL ice: The tournament will be played on NHL-sized rinks (narrower than traditional Olympic ones). That changes the tactics! NHL players are used to tighter spaces and faster reactions, an edge for teams with more NHL talent.
• Mental focus: Preparing mentally to handle the intensity of knockout games, where one mistake can cost a medal, is just as crucial as physical conditioning.

Confirmed Teams

The men’s ice hockey groups are already set, but it’s important to note Russia’s status and the qualifiers:

• Group A: Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy (host nation).
• Group B: Finland, Germany, Czechia, and Denmark (qualified via pre-Olympic).
• Group C: United States, Slovakia (qualified via pre-Olympic), Latvia (qualified via pre-Olympic), and Russia* (subject to IOC/IIHF decision. If suspended, the spot will go to France, the next best-ranked team).
• Women’s: The ten teams include the five global powerhouses in Group A: Canada, United States, Finland, Switzerland, and Czechia.

Top Contenders

With NHL stars returning, ice hockey at the Olympics will be more competitive than ever, though surprises are always possible!

Men’s – Clash of Titans:

Favorites remain the sport’s two giants: Canada and the United States. With NHL-heavy rosters, their inevitable showdown feels like a final in advance. Finland and Sweden remain Europe’s strongest challengers.

Women’s – The Ultimate Rivalry:

The gold medal almost always comes down to Canada (defending champion) and the United States. They’ve alternated on top since the sport’s Olympic debut in 1998, promising another breathtaking final.

Tips for Fans Attending Live

If you’ll feel the thrill of the puck live in Milan and Cortina, here are some key tips to make the most of it:

• Plan your transport: Milan and Cortina are far apart. Ice hockey is in Milan (Rho and Santagiulia arenas). If you plan to attend snow events in Cortina, organize travel ahead, logistics between cities take time.
• Stay close to the action: In Milan, consider lodging in the West Zone (near Rho, Pero) for quick access to the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Avoid stressful commutes on game days.
• Enjoy the atmosphere: Ice hockey has one of the most electric vibes at the Olympics. Arrive early, soak in the crowd energy, and cheer hard. Italy loves the sport, the energy will be contagious!

The winter of 2026 will be unforgettable, and ice hockey promises to be the highlight of the Games. Set your schedule, organize your streaming feeds, and join us to explore every thrilling moment of Milan-Cortina 2026!