Milan-Cortina 2026 Ice Hockey Guide: Teams, NHL Stars, Venues & Olympic Format Explained

Everything you need to know: rules, venues, teams, qualification, schedule, and more. Ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, is a tournament game ready to take over, as viewers across the globe tune in to these highly intense team sports. Whether you are a die-hard fan or you are simply curious about what the game is about, this guide is for you. The game is one of the most-watched, and here is everything you need to know about ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Where Is The Game Taking Place?

The ice hockey games in 2026 are set in northern Italy, part of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics cluster. Two arenas host the action:

Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena

This is the main arena. It is located in the Santa Giulia district, and it is set for the big crowds and loud cheers of the game lovers. The capacity is around 14,000.

ALSO READ: Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks Crush Patriots 29–13 in Historic Night of Football and Culture

Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena

This is a smaller but equally intense secondary rink that will host some of the thrilling games of ice hockey. Its capacity is roughly 5,700. Initially, there were construction issues and concerns about the safety of the ice at these venues, and these were making headlines last year. It has, however, been confirmed safe to welcome players and their fans.

Who’s Playing?

Men’s Tournament

12 national teams compete from Feb. 11 to Feb. 22, 2026. Here’s how they got there: Eight teams qualified based on their ranking in the 2023 IIHF World Rankings. Italy qualified automatically as the host nation. Three teams earned their spots through Olympic qualifying tournaments. That gives us this 12-team field, featuring hockey heavyweights like:

• Canada
• USA
• Sweden
• Finland
• Czechia
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Slovakia
• Latvia
• Denmark
• France
• Italy (host)

Note that Russia and Belarus aren’t at the Games due to ongoing international bans related to the Ukraine conflict.

ALSO READ: Eirik Horneland From Norwegian Defender to Aberdeen’s Leading Managerial Candidate

Women’s Tournament

The women’s ice hockey tournament features 10 teams and runs from Feb. 5 to Feb. 19, 2026. Much like the men’s side, teams include top nations like Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, and others, and all are hungry for Olympic gold. Format & Schedule — Let’s Break It Down

Men’s Tournament Format

Here’s how the medal chase plays out:

1. Group Stage (Preliminaries) – 12 teams are split into three groups of four.
2. Each team plays the other three in its group once.
3. Top finishers move on to the knockout rounds.
4. After prelims, teams are ranked, then enter:
   • Qualification Playoffs
   • Quarterfinals
   • Semifinals
   • Bronze & Gold medal games

This structure keeps every game meaningful and helps build those dramatic, edge-of-your-seat moments that only Olympic hockey can deliver.

ALSO READ: Best Movies to Watch in 2026 | Upcoming Films & Must-See Releases

Knockouts and Medal Games

The finals, which are both bronze and gold medal games, are some of the most-watched moments in the entire Olympics. Expect intense rivalry hockey, often featuring NHL stars.

How Qualification Worked

This one is both cool and intense. To make it to the Olympic tournament:

• The top 8 teams from the 2023 IIHF World Rankings automatically qualified.
• Italy got in as hosts.
• The last three spots were decided through a series of Olympic qualification tournaments. This is like mini-championships where every game is “win or go home.”

Teams that didn’t qualify automatically had to grind their way through these qualifiers, and believe me, every national team treated those games like playoff hockey. Hard hits, clutch goals, nail-biting overtime stuff.

ALSO READ: Who Is Cory Hein? Inside the Rise of a People-First Leader at Teck Resources

Basic Rules You Should Know

An ice hockey game normally lasts for 60 minutes. Here’s how it goes:

Game Structure

• 3 periods of 20 minutes each.
• Intermissions in between.
• If it’s tied after regulation, overtime, and, if needed, a shootout.

Points in Preliminaries

Teams earn:

• 3 points for a regulation win.
• 2 points if you win in overtime or a shootout.
• 1 point if you lose in overtime or a shootout.
• 0 points for a regulation loss.

Team Setup

Each men’s team can have:

• Up to 22 skaters (forwards and defenders)
• 3 goalies

In any game, only 20 skaters and 2 goalies can dress and play.

ALSO READ: Beyond the Screen: How Britain’s Highest-Paid Actresses Are Building Real Power Wealth

NHL Stars Return!

This one is huge. The NHL and NHLPA (the players’ association) worked out a deal with the IOC and IIHF. This means NHL players are allowed to compete for their countries again in 2026.  You might be hearing names like:

• Connor McDavid
• Sidney Crosby
• Auston Matthews
• William Nylander
• Leon Draisaitl … just to name a few.

These guys normally play in North America during the NHL season, so seeing them in Olympic jerseys again is a big deal. This means this game will feature the best of the best ice hockey players in the world. It’s been 12 years since they played last, and the team opted out in the 2022 game because of the pandemic. Director Pierre Ducrey told reporters, “It’s going to be extremely exciting. We’re very excited they are coming back,” IOCSports.s “Twelve years – it was a lot of work from a lot of people to make sure this happens.” The 2026 ice hockey game comes with that extra dose, and we are here for it.

ALSO READ: The Most Unique Grammy Awards 2026 Dresses That Truly Stole the Show

What Makes Olympic Ice Hockey Special?

There is no denying that hockey is fun any day. But Olympic hockey? It’s different. Here’s why:

• National pride is on full blast
  Players aren’t just playing for a club; they’re representing their country. This makes it more intense and emotional.
• Unexpected heroes
  You’ll see role players, young stars, and underdogsrisep in ways they didn’t at the Worlds or in the NHL.
• Historic moments
  There have been historic moments like the “Miracle on Ice” from 1980, and that only happens at the Olympics.
• Rivalries
  Canada vs USA, Sweden vs Finland, Czechia vs anyone. These matchups have not only history but also heat.

ALSO READ: Why Travel Feels Different After 30 And Why It’s Better Than Ever

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Winter Olympics ice hockey tournament is a global one, and the world can’t wait to experience it. The thrill, the passion, the fastest athletics in action, it promised to be an adrenaline-pumping game.