The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament has exploded out of the gates in Milan, with both Team USA and Canada delivering opening statements that have fans buzzing from North America to Europe. On February 12, 2026, the much-anticipated return of NHL players to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014 set the stage for a day of dazzling skill, hard hits, and a few surprises. As the preliminary round got underway, the spotlight was firmly on Group C’s USA vs. Latvia and Group A’s Canada vs. Czechia—two matchups that offered a glimpse of what this star-studded Olympic hockey event might hold.
For Team USA, the opening contest against Latvia at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena began with more drama than many expected. The Americans, heavy favorites, found themselves knotted 1-1 after the first period, thanks in part to Latvia’s successful challenges that erased two U.S. goals. Renars Krastenbergs gave the Latvians hope, scoring the game’s first goal and momentarily quieting the pro-USA crowd. But the Americans, powered by a roster loaded with NHL talent, soon found their rhythm and left little doubt about their intentions in these Games.
Brock Nelson, whose Olympic roster spot was anything but certain at the start of the NHL season, emerged as the night’s hero. Despite a rocky first period—where he had a goal overturned for goaltender interference and was called offside on another disallowed tally—Nelson rebounded with two crucial goals in the second period. It was, in many ways, a family legacy moment: Nelson’s uncle, Dave Christian, is a member of the legendary 1980 Miracle on Ice team, while his grandfather, Bill Christian, and great uncle, Roger Christian, won Olympic gold in 1960. Even his great uncle Gord Christian brought home silver in 1956. Nelson’s Olympic debut, then, was more than just another game—it was a continuation of a remarkable family tradition.
“It’s almost fitting that Nelson had his fingerprints all over what was his first career game in the Olympics,” observed analysts from The Athletic. And what a debut it was. Alongside Nelson’s brace, Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson, and Auston Matthews all found the back of the net. Matthews’ goal, a one-timer across the body of Latvia’s Elvis Merzļikins, was his first in Olympic play—a milestone for the American superstar.
Latvia, for its part, showed resilience, especially in the opening frame. But the U.S. attack eventually overwhelmed them, outshooting the Latvians 38 to 18. Team USA’s power play clicked for two goals on three opportunities, while Latvia failed to convert any of its three chances with the man advantage. Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy winner, got the start in goal for the Americans. While not heavily tested, Hellebuyck turned aside 16 of 17 shots, providing a steady presence between the pipes and perhaps easing some nerves about his Olympic form.
“Probably the perfect first game for Connor Hellebuyck to get his feet wet at the Olympics,” one commentator noted. “He’s managed 16 saves on 17 shots so far and even though he hasn’t been tested all that much, it’s something that he can build off of.”
Elsewhere in Group C, Germany made an early statement by defeating Denmark 3-1, with Leon Draisaitl scoring just 23 seconds into his Olympic debut and Tim Stützle adding two more. Philipp Grubauer’s 37 saves sealed the win, setting up a tantalizing group battle as the tournament progresses. After the first day, the Group C standings show USA and Germany tied with three points each, while Denmark and Latvia are searching for their first wins.
Turning to Group A, Canada’s return to Olympic competition with NHL talent was nothing short of dominant. Facing Czechia, the Canadians rolled to a 5-0 victory, showcasing the depth and firepower that has them pegged as gold medal favorites. The Canadian lineup, brimming with stars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, wasted little time imposing its will. Macklin Celebrini, a second-year NHLer, scored in his Olympic debut, while Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki rounded out the scoring.
Jordan Binnington, fresh off a championship season with the St. Louis Blues, was perfect in goal, stopping all 26 shots faced for the shutout. On the other side, Czechia’s Lukas Dostal did what he could, turning aside 31 of 36 Canadian shots, but was overwhelmed by the relentless Canadian attack. Despite having stars like David Pastrnak and Martin Necas, the Czechs couldn’t solve Binnington or Canada’s disciplined defense.
“It was special to go out there and play and pull this jersey on. A pretty wild environment. Very, very cool to be a part of,” said Connor McDavid after the win, capturing the excitement of both players and fans at seeing NHLers back on Olympic ice.
Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper was pleased with his team’s progression, stating, “You know what I liked? I thought we got better as that game went on. And I don’t care who anybody is, when you’re playing in the Olympics first time, it never gets old and everybody’s got the jitters. I think you could tell that in the beginning of the game.”
The only sour note for Canada was the early exit of defenseman Josh Morrissey, who was clipped by Martin Necas and left the game after one shift in the second period. Coach Cooper had no update postgame, but Canada’s depth on the blue line may be tested in the games ahead.
Switzerland also made headlines in Group A, blanking France 4-0 behind Timo Meier’s two third-period goals and a 27-save shutout from Leonardo Genoni. With the preliminary round in full swing, every goal and every point is crucial, as the top four teams across all groups will earn byes straight to the quarterfinals. After the first day, Canada, USA, Sweden, and Switzerland all have three points, but goal difference could prove decisive when seeding is determined.
Olympic hockey fans have plenty more to look forward to. The round robin continues through February 15, with each team playing three group games before the playoff picture comes into focus. The return of NHL stars has already injected new life and intensity into the tournament, and with legends and rising stars sharing the ice, the chase for Olympic gold is wide open.
With the first games in the books and both North American powerhouses flexing their muscles, anticipation is only building for the next round of matchups. The road to hockey gold in Milan promises to be a thrilling ride, with history, pride, and a new generation of Olympic heroes waiting to be crowned.