Men's Olympic Hockey Tournament Opens with Slovakia-Finland and Sweden-Italy Matchups

The highly anticipated men's ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially began Wednesday morning at Santagiulia Arena, marking the first Olympic competition featuring NHL players since the 2014 Sochi Games. Slovakia faced Finland in the opening game at 10:40 AM ET, followed by host nation Italy taking on powerhouse Sweden at 3:10 PM ET. Both matches serve as Group B preliminaries in a tournament that has captured global attention after the NHL's long absence from Olympic play.

The return of NHL talent has transformed these Winter Games into a true showcase of the world's best hockey players. Group B, which includes Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, and Italy, features several NHL superstars eager to represent their countries on the sport's biggest international stage. Sweden enters as the betting favorite in the group at -155 odds, while Finland is close behind at +140. Slovakia, at +1600, and host Italy, at +50000, face steeper odds but bring passionate fan support and the unpredictability that makes Olympic hockey compelling.

The tournament format includes all 12 participating nations playing three preliminary round games within their respective groups. Unlike some previous Olympic formats, all teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket regardless of their group stage performance. This structure ensures maximum drama and gives every nation a chance to compete for medals, even if their preliminary round doesn't go according to plan. The gold medal game is scheduled for February 22, the final day of the Milano Cortina Winter Games.

For Finland, the tournament represents an opportunity to add to their storied Olympic hockey history. The Finns have consistently performed well at international competitions and boast a roster filled with NHL talent across all positions. Slovakia, while considered an underdog, has surprised opponents in past international tournaments and will look to leverage their team chemistry and defensive structure. Their opening match against Finland sets the tone for both nations' Olympic campaigns.

Sweden's matchup against host Italy carries additional intrigue as the Scandinavian powerhouse faces a team playing in front of home crowds at Santagiulia Arena. Italy has invested heavily in developing their hockey program ahead of hosting these Olympics, and while they face long odds against Sweden's NHL-laden roster, the support of Italian fans could provide an emotional lift. Sweden will aim to make a statement in their opening game and establish momentum for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.

The absence of NHL players from the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Olympics created a void in the tournament's prestige and competitive quality. Their return for Milano Cortina 2026 has generated renewed enthusiasm among fans worldwide and restored the men's Olympic hockey tournament to its rightful place as one of the Winter Games' marquee events. With preliminary rounds beginning Wednesday and building toward the elimination rounds next week, hockey fans can expect two weeks of world-class competition as nations battle for Olympic glory.