MILAN -- The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 men’s hockey tournament begins Wednesday when the 12 nations compete in three groups. Group A consists of Canada, Czechia, France and Switzerland. Finland, Italy, Sweden and Slovakia will play in Group B. Group C features Denmark, Germany, Latvia and the United States.

If Sweden and Finland aren't at the top of Group B at the conclusion of the preliminary round, then the Olympics will have turned upside down.

The United States women's hockey team's quest for an Olympic gold medal began with a resounding win over Czechia on Thursday.

Leon Draisaitl records his first Olympic goal & adds an assist to help Germany defeat Denmark 3-1 on Thursday in Group C action at Milano Cortina 2026 mark his debut as team captain

The 2026 Winter Olympics feature three groups in the men's hockey preliminary round. There are some must-watch games in each one.

NHL players are playing in the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years, going back to the 2014 Sochi Games. The United States will open Group C play at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Thursday against Latvia.