Canada Faces Off Against Czechia in Olympic Men’s Hockey Opener
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games approach, excitement is building for the Canadian men’s hockey team. For the first time since Sochi 2014, NHL players are set to compete. Canada aims to reclaim its glory and secure a place at the top of the podium in men’s Olympic hockey.
Canada’s Opening Match Against Czechia
Team Canada’s journey to gold begins on February 11, 2026, at 10:40 a.m. ET, when they face off against Czechia. This match marks the first of three preliminary round games. Canada will also play against Switzerland and France during the tournament.
Czechia’s Strengths
Czechia is led by star forward David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, who proudly carried the flag at the Opening Ceremony. While Czechia may not have the depth of Team Canada, players like Martin Necas (Colorado Avalanche) and Tomas Hertl (Vegas Golden Knights) can pose challenges. Historically, Czechia has been a tough opponent for Canada, especially in recent IIHF World Junior Championships.
Olympic History: A Close Rivalry
- In the Nagano 1998 semifinals, Czechia defeated Canada in a shootout, ultimately winning gold.
- Canada secured bronze against Czechia at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.
Team Canada is returning with the goal of improving upon their sixth-place finish at the Beijing 2022 Games. Captain Sidney Crosby reflects on the long wait, stating, “It has been difficult. But I am thrilled for the opportunity to compete at the Olympics again.”
Key Players and Roster Composition
Canada’s roster includes veteran Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings, the only player from Sochi 2014. Alongside him are emerging stars like Cale Makar and Connor McDavid, who brings a wealth of talent as alternate captain. McDavid currently leads the NHL in points this season.
In preparation for the Games, the roster experienced some changes. Injuries led to the replacement of forwards Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point with Sam Bennett and Seth Jarvis, both of whom contributed to Canada’s recent tournament success.
Competition Format and Schedule
The men’s hockey tournament runs from February 11 to February 22. Games will be held at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena and the Milano Santa Guilia Ice Hockey Arena. Canada is in Group A, competing against:
- Switzerland
- Czechia
- France
Group B includes Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, and Italy, while Group C consists of the United States, Germany, Latvia, and Denmark.
Aiming for Success
Team Canada is focused on building chemistry and strategy to secure victories. Crosby emphasizes the importance of teamwork, noting that they must remain focused on each game. As they prepare for their first matchup, the anticipation from both players and fans continues to grow.
As the Olympic Games approach, all eyes will be on Team Canada as they strive to embody the spirit of competition and aim for Olympic gold once again at Milano Cortina 2026.
