The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, as the United States and Canada prepare to battle for the gold medal. The tournament has already delivered plenty of drama, with several games decided in overtime, showcasing the high level of competition. Fans eager to witness the culmination of this exciting Olympic event will have several viewing options available this Sunday.
The road to the final wasn’t easy for either team. Both the U.S. And Canada navigated a challenging bracket, overcoming tough opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals to earn their place in the championship game. The intensity of the matches has been a hallmark of the tournament, solidifying men’s ice hockey as a premier event at the Winter Games. This gold medal match promises to be a fitting end to a captivating tournament.
Here’s a look back at the results that led to this highly anticipated gold medal game, detailing the journey of both the United States and Canada through the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey tournament.
Full Men’s Ice Hockey Results
The tournament began with the first round, setting the stage for the knockout stages. Here’s a recap of the initial matchups:
- First Round:
- Switzerland 3, Italy 0
- Germany 5, France 1
- Czechia 3, Denmark 2
- Sweden 5, Latvia 1
The quarterfinals saw several closely contested games, with three decided in overtime:
- Quarterfinals:
- Slovakia 6, Germany 2
- Canada 4, Czechia 3 (OT)
- Finland 3, Switzerland 2 (OT)
- USA 2, Sweden 1 (OT)
The semifinals continued the trend of tight matchups, with both games proving to be exciting contests:
- Semifinals:
- Canada 3, Finland 2
- USA 6, Slovakia 2
With victories secured, the United States and Canada now stand poised to compete for the ultimate prize.
How to Watch the Gold Medal Game
The gold medal game between the USA and Canada is scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd, at 8:10 a.m. ET (2:10 p.m. Local time). The game will be held at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy. Viewers in the United States can catch all the action on NBC, while streaming options include Peacock (digital only), NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Olympic App.
Beyond the ice, the Olympics have also been a backdrop for personal milestones. Gold medalist Breezy Johnson recently shared that she intentionally chose to get engaged at the Olympics, stating, “For me, it was a really cool moment to bring the two loves of my life together.”
The upcoming gold medal game represents the culmination of years of dedication and training for both the U.S. And Canadian teams. The competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide, marking a memorable chapter in Olympic ice hockey history. Following the gold medal game, Finland and Slovakia will compete for the bronze medal.
What comes next for these athletes? Many will return to their professional leagues, carrying the momentum and experience gained from the Olympic Games into their respective seasons. The 2026 Winter Olympics have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the world of ice hockey, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike.
What are your predictions for the gold medal game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow hockey fans!