NHL Stars Touch Down in Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics Hockey Tournament
The long-awaited return of National Hockey League players to the Olympic stage has officially commenced, with approximately 150 stars arriving in Milan, Italy, for the 2026 Winter Games. This marks the end of a 12-year hiatus, with the NHL last participating in the Sochi 2014 Olympics.
Charter Flights Bring Elite Talent to Italy
According to reports, the players traveled on five charter flights departing from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, landing in Milan early Sunday morning. The contingent includes high-profile names such as Canada's Connor McDavid, Germany's Leon Draisaitl, Czechia's David Pastrnak, and a strong group of American athletes. The arrival sets the stage for intensive practice sessions ahead of the men's hockey tournament, which is scheduled to begin on February 11, 2026.
Immediate On-Ice Action and Team Preparations
Sweden was the first team composed almost exclusively of NHL talent to hit the ice for practice at the Milano Santagiulia Arena. They were followed by other powerhouse nations including the United States, Czech Republic, Canada, and Finland. The players had initially been scheduled to land on Saturday morning and begin practicing within hours, underscoring the tight timeline for preparation.
Team Sweden has named Gabriel Landeskog as captain, with Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson serving as alternates, as confirmed by TSN. Meanwhile, Team Canada has officially announced Sidney Crosby as captain, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar as alternates. McDavid expressed his excitement, stating, "Really cool just to be around all the athletes. Special to be here."
Tournament Structure and Participating Nations
The 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament features twelve national teams, divided into three groups of four. The participating countries are Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Notably, host nation Italy is the only team without an NHL player on its roster.
The groups are structured as follows:
- Group A: Canada, Czechia, France, and Switzerland
- Group B: Finland, Italy, Slovakia, and Sweden
- Group C: Denmark, Germany, Latvia, and the United States
Historical Context and Upcoming Schedule
The NHL's absence from the Olympics began after the 2014 Sochi Games, with the league opting out of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and pandemic-related scheduling issues leading to a last-minute withdrawal from the 2022 Beijing Games. The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics thus represent a significant comeback for the world's top hockey league on the international stage.
The tournament kicks off on February 11, 2026, with Sweden facing Italy in a marquee opening match. The preliminary round continues with Team USA playing Latvia on February 12, Denmark on February 14, and Germany on February 15. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a highly competitive and star-studded competition.
