2026 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Schedule for USA (Men & Women) + How to Watch in the U.S.
U.S. women open Olympic ice hockey campaign with 5-1 win over Czechia

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics ice hockey tournaments kick off in early February in Milan, Italy, featuring both U.S. Women’s and Men’s Olympic teams (Feb. 5–22) and marking the return of NHL players to Olympic competition. Ice hockey games take place at the Milano Rho and Milano Santagiulia arenas.

Read more: Team USA Schedule at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Full Competition Calendar, Key Events, and How to Follow

Team USA Women’s Ice Hockey Schedule (Eastern Time)

The U.S. women’s team, overseen by USA Hockey, opens Olympic play early and faces its toughest rival, Canada, during group play.

Preliminary Round

  • Thursday, Feb. 5 – USA vs. Czechia, 10:40 a.m. ET

  • Saturday, Feb. 7 – USA vs. Finland, 10:40 a.m. ET

  • Monday, Feb. 9 – USA vs. Switzerland, 2:40 p.m. ET

  • Tuesday, Feb. 10 – USA vs. Canada, 2:10 p.m. ET

Knockout Round (if advanced)

  • Friday, Feb. 13 – Quarterfinal, 3:10 p.m. ET

  • Monday, Feb. 16 – Semifinal, 10:40 a.m. ET

  • Thursday, Feb. 19 – Bronze Medal Game, ~8:40 a.m. ET

  • Thursday, Feb. 19 – Gold Medal Game, 1:10 p.m. ET

Women’s hockey traditionally draws strong U.S. viewership, and medal-round games are expected to air live nationwide.

Team USA Men’s Ice Hockey Schedule (Eastern Time)

The men’s tournament begins later in the Games and culminates on the final weekend. With top professional talent expected, this could be the most competitive Olympic men’s field in over a decade.

Group Play

  • Thursday, Feb. 12 – USA vs. Latvia, 3:00 p.m. ET

  • Additional group games run Feb. 12–15 (times vary)

Elimination Round (if advanced)

  • Wednesday, Feb. 18 – Quarterfinals

  • Friday, Feb. 20 – Semifinals

  • Sunday, Feb. 22 – Gold Medal Game (time TBA)

Because Milan is six hours ahead of Eastern Time, many games will air in morning or early-afternoon U.S. windows.

Read more: When Do Team USA Events Air in the U.S.? Winter Olympics 2026 Time Guide

How to Watch Team USA Hockey in the U.S.

All U.S. broadcast and streaming rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics belong to NBC Olympics.

TV Channels

  • NBC – Featured games and medal rounds

  • USA Network – Group-play and daily coverage

  • CNBC – Select overflow coverage

Broadcast schedules will be updated daily on nbcolympics.com.

Streaming Options (No Cable Required)

Peacock

  • Live and on-demand access to every Olympic sport, including all hockey games

  • Plans typically range from $11–$18 per month

  • Available on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and web
    https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/olympics

NBC Olympics Website & NBC Sports App

Free-Trial Workarounds

Some live-TV streaming services that carry NBC and USA Network offer short free trials during major events. Pairing one with Peacock is a common cable-free solution.

Read more: Can I Watch the Winter Olympics 2026 Online Without Cable? Streaming Options, Free Trials, and Legal Ways

Tips for U.S. Viewers

  • Schedules may shift due to seeding or overtime games. Always recheck NBC Olympics’ official schedule page.

  • Medal games often air live on NBC even if earlier rounds stream exclusively.

  • Morning alarms may be required—Italy time favors early U.S. starts.

With powerhouse rivals, returning NHL stars, and medal pressure on both sides, Team USA hockey will be one of the must-watch events of the 2026 Winter Olympics.