Italy and Slovakia face off in this Group B men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday.

Slovakia opened the 2026 Winter Olympics with a decisive 4–1 victory over defending champion Finland, powered by two goals from Juraj Slafkovský and a 38-save performance from Samuel Hlavaj.

Slovakia's captain Tomas Tatar has cautioned his team against underestimating host nation Italy in the upcoming Winter Olympics hockey clash. Following a strong win against Finland, Tatar stressed the need for unwavering focus and intensity.

As men's hockey got underway at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina on Wednesday, the Washington Capitals watched Martin Fehervary make his Olympic debut with Slovakia.

Who is Samuel Hlavaj? Here's what to know about the Slovakia men's hockey goaltender who set a country record for saves at the Winter Olympics.

In the first game of the men's hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics, there has already been an upset, with Slovakia defeating Finland.

Here's what to know about Friday's slate of hockey games, both men's and women's, at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Regenda, Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský and New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec are the only three players from that Olympic team still in the NHL. Slafkovský and Nemec went first and second overall to the Canadiens and Devils, respectively, in the 2022 draft.

A Slovakian hockey fan was arrested in Milan on a 16-year-old warrant and missed his team’s stunning 4-1 Olympic upset over Finland after allegedly committing thefts in 2010.