The Canadian and American men’s hockey teams are set to clash for the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Sunday. This highly anticipated final will take place at 2:10 PM local time (8:10 AM EST), promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
Canada secured their spot in the championship game after a dramatic comeback victory against Finland, shifting the momentum from a 0-2 deficit to a 3-2 win. The win has sparked celebrations across Canada, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford even announcing that bars and restaurants throughout the province will be allowed to begin serving alcohol at 6:00 AM to accommodate fans eager to watch the game.
This marks the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics that the NHL has allowed its players to participate in the Winter Games, generating unprecedented global excitement. The tournament features two “Dream Teams” – Canada and the USA – drawing large crowds eager to witness the world’s top hockey talent.
The United States advanced to the final after a strong showing in the preliminary round, defeating Latvia 5-1, Denmark 6-3, and Germany 5-1. They will look to carry that momentum into the gold medal game. The U.S. Team is comprised of NHL players, with the final roster expected to be announced in early January 2026.
Group play saw Canada placed in Group A with Switzerland, Czechia, and France, while the U.S. Competed in Group C against Germany, Latvia, and Denmark. Finland and Sweden headlined Group B, alongside Slovakia and Italy.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6th to February 22nd. Canada is participating in the Winter Olympics for the 25th time, having already secured a total of 20 medals – 5 gold, 6 silver, and 9 bronze – in these Games.
The NHL confirmed that its players will also participate in the 2030 Winter Olympics, continuing the league’s commitment to international competition. NHL players have previously participated in the Winter Games in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014.
