MILAN, Italy — The 2026 Winter Olympics have reached a fever pitch for the birthplace of hockey, as both Canadian national teams dominate the ice in Milan Cortina. With the women’s team set for a historic gold medal showdown against their fiercest rivals and the men’s squad entering the quarterfinals as the tournament’s top seed, Canada’s national identity remains firmly rooted in its winter pastime.
Women’s Final: The “Nastiest Rivalry” Returns for Gold
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the world will watch as Canada and the United States meet once again to decide the Olympic champion. The Canadian women advanced to the final after a hard-fought victory over Switzerland, a game highlighted by captain Marie-Philip Poulin making history. Poulin officially passed Hayley Wickenheiser for the most career Olympic goals, further cementing her legacy as “Captain Clutch.”
The rivalry between the two North American giants remains the most intense in the sport. Since women’s hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1998, no other nation has claimed gold. While the U.S. enters the final coming off a 5-0 shutout of Sweden, Canada holds the momentum of a defending champion looking to protect its throne in what many analysts describe as a game of inches.
Men’s Dominance: McDavid and Crosby Lead the Charge
The Canadian men’s team has silenced skeptics who questioned their goaltending depth entering the Games. After a perfect 3-0 run through the preliminary round, Canada clinched the top overall seed for the quarterfinals. Their journey through Group A was punctuated by a massive 10-2 victory over France on Sunday, February 15, and a disciplined 5-1 win over Switzerland.
Key highlights from the men’s preliminary round include:
- Connor McDavid: The superstar netted his first-ever Olympic goal during the win against Switzerland.
- Macklin Celebrini: The young phenom has lived up to the hype, scoring Canada’s first goal of the tournament in the opener against Czechia.
- Sidney Crosby: The veteran leader continues to make history, providing the steadying presence for a roster featuring a “plus-17” goal differential.
Canada is scheduled to face Czechia in the quarterfinals today, Wednesday, February 18. While Canada dominated their previous meeting, head coach Jon Cooper has warned against complacency as the tournament shifts to a single-elimination format.
A Legacy Beyond the Ice
The current Olympic success mirrors the deep literary and cultural history of the sport in Canada. From the early organized games in Windsor, Nova Scotia, and Montreal in the late 19th century to the modern “mythology” of the game explored in works like Canada’s Game: Hockey and Identity, the sport remains a primary vehicle for Canadian nation-building. As the 2026 Games continue, the pursuit of double gold in Milan represents the latest chapter in a story that began on frozen ponds over 150 years ago.
How to Watch: The women’s gold medal game between Canada and the USA is scheduled for Thursday, February 19. The men’s quarterfinal against Czechia is live today across major North American sports networks.