Olympic hockey schedule: men’s tournament starts Feb. 11 as Team Canada’s roster takes shape

The Olympic hockey schedule for Milano–Cortina is moving into its busiest stretch, with the men’s tournament set to begin Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 (ET). The start date matters for fans and teams alike because the format offers little runway: three group games, then a single-elimination path that ends with the gold medal game on Sunday, Feb. 22 (ET).

For Canada men’s hockey, the opening week is already loaded with high-end opponents, and the official Team Canada hockey roster lists a veteran core alongside prime-age stars—an early signal that the medal race will be decided by depth, special teams, and goaltending as much as headline names.

Men’s Olympic hockey start: key dates to know

Men’s Olympic hockey officially runs Feb. 11–22 (ET), with all 12 teams playing three preliminary-round games before the knockout rounds begin. The women’s tournament began earlier, but the men’s bracket is the one drawing the heaviest traffic for “mens olympic hockey start” searches this weekend as the first puck drop approaches.

The tournament is being staged in Milan at two ice hockey venues, and early start times are likely for North American viewers given the time difference. Fans should expect many games to air in morning or early afternoon windows in Eastern Time.

How the men’s format works in 2026

The men’s tournament features 12 teams split into three groups of four. After each team plays three preliminary games, the competition shifts into a single-elimination playoff that culminates in the gold medal game on Feb. 22 (ET).

That structure puts a premium on two things:

• Fast starts: a slow first game can push a contender into a tougher knockout route.

• Discipline and special teams: the margin in one-and-done rounds often swings on penalties, power plays, and late defensive execution.

Canada men’s hockey: group draw and opening matchups

Canada is in Group A alongside Czechia, Switzerland, and France, making for a technically demanding group with two opponents capable of turning games into tight, structured contests.

Canada’s preliminary schedule is front-loaded with games that can shape seeding quickly. Here’s a snapshot of the group-stage slate in Eastern Time:

With only three group games, the order matters: early results can determine whether a team earns a smoother path or runs into a heavyweight earlier than expected.

Team Canada hockey roster: star power plus experience

The official Team Canada hockey roster lists a blend of elite skill and tested leadership. Up front, the group includes Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, with additional scoring and two-way layers from players such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Bo Horvat, Sam Bennett, Nick Suzuki, Brandon Hagel, Seth Jarvis, Tom Wilson, and highly touted young forward Macklin Celebrini.

On the blue line, Canada’s roster emphasizes mobility and puck movement, highlighted by Cale Makar and Devon Toews, supported by defenders including Shea Theodore, Drew Doughty, Travis Sanheim, Josh Morrissey, Colton Parayko, and Thomas Harley.

In goal, the listed trio is Darcy Kuemper, Logan Thompson, and Jordan Binnington, giving Canada a mix of size, athleticism, and big-game résumé—an area that often decides Olympic tournaments once the bracket tightens.

Behind the bench, the staff list includes head coach Jon Cooper, with an experienced management group that reflects a “win now” approach.

What to watch as puck drop nears

With the men’s Olympic hockey start days away, the immediate storyline is less about name recognition and more about how quickly teams can settle into short-tournament hockey: clean breakouts, structured neutral-zone play, and special-teams timing.

For Canada men’s hockey, the pressure point will be converting talent into separation against opponents designed to keep games close. If Canada starts quickly in Group A, the bracket can open up. If the opening games turn into one-goal grinders, goaltending and discipline will decide whether the path stays smooth—or gets dangerous early.

Sources consulted: Olympics; International Ice Hockey Federation; Hockey Canada; National Hockey League