Overview
- Players from NHL-loaded national teams have reached Italy and begun practices, with Sweden first on the ice at Milano Santagiulia Arena and the U.S., Czechia, Canada and Finland following.
- Hockey Canada confirmed Sidney Crosby as captain, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar as alternates, and Canada opens group play Thursday against Czechia.
- The men’s tournament starts Feb. 11, proceeds through group games this week, holds playoff qualification on Feb. 17, quarterfinals on Feb. 18, and awards medals Feb. 21–22.
- IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey said the committee wants NHL players to be a consistent feature at future Games, though there is no firm commitment yet for 2030.
- Russia and Belarus remain barred from the Olympics, altering the composition of the 12-team men’s hockey field in Milano Cortina.