Olympic Ice Hockey will officially get underway at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with women’s and men’s tournaments starting on separate dates during the Games in Italy.
When Does Olympic Ice Hockey Start?
- Women’s Olympic Ice Hockey: February 5, 2026
- Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey: February 11, 2026
As is standard at the Winter Olympics, the women’s tournament opens first, featuring a round-robin stage followed by medal-round play. The men’s competition begins several days later, setting up a dramatic run to Olympic gold.
Why the Split Schedule Matters
Staggered start dates at Milano Cortina 2026 allow both tournaments to receive dedicated global attention while optimizing ice availability and broadcast coverage throughout the Winter Games.
What to Expect at Milano Cortina 2026
- Women’s Tournament: High-speed, skill-driven hockey showcasing the world’s elite national teams.
- Men’s Tournament: Physical, tactical matchups as hockey powers battle through group play and knockout rounds.
How to Watch Olympic Ice Hockey in 2026
Fans can follow Olympic Ice Hockey throughout the 2026 Winter Olympic Games via international broadcasters and streaming platforms, from the opening women’s games on February 5 through the men’s gold-medal final later in the tournament.
Bottom line: Olympic Ice Hockey at Milano Cortina 2026 begins February 5 for the women’s tournament and February 11 for the men’s, delivering nearly two weeks of elite international hockey on the Olympic stage. 🏒