Olympic hockey is back, and Milan is hosting this year’s Winter Olympics and could go down as one of the best hockey tournaments of all time.
The biggest reason that this year is different than years in the past is that NHL players are finally allowed back to play. For the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games in Russia, Milan will host best-on-best talent. With a total of 148 NHL players going to Milan, this will go down as an incredibly memorable tournament.
Team USA and Canada are the front-runners to win gold, but without a doubt, any team playing in this tournament has the same expectations to win. Canada has won three of the past four Olympics featuring NHL players, along with the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off.
Team USA looks to gain its first gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. They are bringing back 21 of the 23 players who played in last year’s Four Nations. There is a huge chance that the USA ends its 46-year Olympic drought in 2026.
Still, this tournament isn’t just about two teams. Countries like Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Switzerland all have the talent to make deep runs in the tournament and upset anyone. All it takes is one big goal or one steady goalie to take down one of this year’s juggernauts.
Olympic hockey is one of the few sports in the Winter Olympics that holds your attention. The fights, the physicality, and the pride for their countries make these games truly memorable. Having the pride of winning a medal for your country makes the level of play even more elevated.
Whether you are a lifelong hockey fan or just someone who wants to watch great competition, this will be something you do not want to miss. Olympic hockey is back on Feb. 11, and it will easily hook your interest if you give it a chance.
Be sure to cheer on Team USA when they begin their road to gold with their first game on Feb. 12 against Latvia. This is a great game to start with and gain momentum moving further into the tournament.
