Ice Hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Apps and Dates

Get ready to feel the adrenaline of every goal and every save: the 2026 Winter Olympics are approaching, and ice hockey promises to dominate all attention.

The next edition of the Winter Games, taking place in Italy (Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo), has expectations sky-high for ice hockey.

The women’s tournament starts on February 5, 2026, while the men’s will run from February 11 to 22, 2026, promising intense days of pure competition.

The big draw is, without a doubt, the agreement ensuring the participation of NHL (National Hockey League) players. This means that teams will come at full strength, turning the tournament into a true elite World Championship.

👉 This article is for informational purposes only. It does not contain live broadcasts. Here, we show the best platforms and how to access them to safely watch hockey.

Top Apps for Olympic Streaming

To keep up with the fast pace of ice hockey, having the right app on your phone or smart TV is essential. Remember, broadcasting rights are regional, so choose your app based on your location.

Olympics: Live Sports & News (Worldwide)

What it offers: This is the official app of the International Olympic Committee. While it may not stream full games in your region, it’s unbeatable for breaking news, exclusive athlete interviews, live scoreboards, and real-time coverage of scores.

9Now (Australia)

What it offers: This is Nine Network’s free streaming platform in Australia. It offers live coverage of the main events of the Games, allowing Australians to follow the action despite time zone challenges.

CBC Gem (Canada)

What it offers: For Canadian fans, CBC is the official home. CBC Gem offers full and free streaming (with ads) of all Olympic programming. Coverage tends to be extensive, with special focus on every step of Team Canada, including high-quality pre- and post-game analysis.

RAI Play (Italy)

What it offers: As the host country’s national broadcaster, RAI Play is the main access point in Italy. It will provide live broadcasts in high definition of all games, especially via RAI 1 and RAI 2 channels.

Peacock (United States)

What it offers: NBC’s streaming platform, holding rights in the U.S. Peacock will be the place to watch most events, offering live broadcasts and on-demand content. For ice hockey, it guarantees access to follow the U.S. team and the major playoff games.

BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom)

What it offers: BBC iPlayer is BBC’s catch-up and streaming service. In the U.K., it covers the Winter Games, including ice hockey matches. It’s known for quality commentary and unbiased coverage.

TV Globo (Brazil)

What it offers: In Brazil, Globoplay (and SporTV channels) is usually the IOC’s main partner. The app offers live broadcasts and replays of various sports. While coverage may not focus entirely on ice hockey, it’s your best bet to watch key final-stage games and daily highlights.

Partner Broadcasters and Global Coverage

To bring the thrill of ice hockey to every corner of the globe, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) relies on a vast network of broadcast partners.

These are the main broadcasters ensuring that sports fans don’t miss a moment of Milan-Cortina 2026:

Tournament Dates and Matchups

The men’s ice hockey tournament will feature 12 teams divided into three groups, all aiming for glory in Milan-Cortina.

The women’s competition promises intensity from the start, with teams ready for big challenges.

Below, you can insert the main dates and games for both tournaments:

Women:

• 02/05 – USA vs Czechia
• 02/06 – France vs Japan
• 02/07 – USA vs Finland
• 02/07 – Switzerland vs Canada
• 02/09 – Switzerland vs USA
• 02/10 – Canada vs USA
• 02/13-14 – Quarterfinals
• 02/16 – Semifinals
• 02/19 – Bronze and Gold

Men:

• 02/11 – Sweden vs Italy
• 02/12 – Czechia vs Canada
• 02/12 – Latvia vs USA
• 02/14 – USA vs Denmark
• 02/15 – Canada vs France
• 02/18 – Quarterfinals
• 02/20 – Semifinals
• 02/21 – Bronze
• 02/22 – Gold

Who Will Make History on Ice

These Olympic Games mark a generation. Some players will seek their first Olympic gold, while legends like Sidney Crosby (Canada), in the twilight of their career, aim for a third. It’s an unmissable event!

Watch these names, as they have what it takes to dominate the ice and lead their teams in Milan-Cortina:

• Connor McDavid (Canada): Considered the best player in the world, he will be the offensive engine and heart of Team Canada.
• Auston Matthews (United States): The American scorer. His sniping is powerful and he will be the focus of the U.S. attack in pursuit of gold.
• Mikko Rantanen (Finland): One of Finland’s NHL stars. He brings power, size, and consistency to the reigning Olympic champion, being a constant offensive threat.
• Victor Hedman (Sweden): One of the league’s best defensemen. He will be the anchor, general of the Swedish defense, and key in offensive transitions.
• Sidney Crosby (Canada): A living legend. His experience, leadership, and hockey IQ will be invaluable in a short and intense tournament like the Olympics.

Connor-McDavid-and-Auston-Matthews-(Source-Google)

Strong Teams and Gold Favorites

With the return of NHL players, the favorites in ice hockey are completely reshaped. Forget the surprises of previous games!

Canada, the hockey powerhouse, always enters as the main favorite. The depth of its roster, filled with superstars, is unmatched. They are the team to beat.

The United States are the major rivals. A young, fast, and skilled team, packed with NHL’s new generation talents, ready to challenge.

In Europe, Finland (current Olympic champion, even without NHL players) and Sweden (with a technical and tactical roster) are the powerhouses.

They have a solid base and always arrive strong in international tournaments, representing European hockey strength.

Getting the Most Out of Streaming

Watching ice hockey games can be challenging due to Italy’s time zone (UTC+1). Organization is key!

1. Set alerts on your favorite apps to not miss games, especially if you’re outside Europe.
2. Use on-demand content to watch game replays without spoilers if you can’t watch live.
3. Pay special attention to quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals to catch the best moments and main NHL players.
4. Always check broadcast schedules, as some games may have different times depending on the channel or app.
5. Prepare your viewing space: snacks, comfort, and a stable connection to enjoy every ice hockey play.

That’s it! Now you have the complete guide to follow the triumphant return of the world’s best to Olympic ice. Grab your snacks, adjust the volume, and dive into this thrilling journey.