Watch U.S. Men’s Hockey Team at 2026 Winter Olympics: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a hockey fan, get ready to cheer on the U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics! The excitement is building as Team USA gears up to compete for its first medal since 2010, with hopes of snagging gold for the first time since the iconic 1980 Miracle on Ice.

While Canada is considered the team to beat, the U.S. squad is not backing down this time. The action kicks off with Team USA facing off against Latvia on Thursday, February 12, one day after the tournament officially begins. Two more preliminary matches will follow before the playoffs start on Tuesday, February 17, culminating in a thrilling gold-medal game on Sunday, February 22.

To catch all the hockey action, make sure to tune in to NBC or the USA Network on TV. If you prefer streaming, you can watch on Peacock or NBCOlympics.com. Want to stay up to date with the schedule? Check out The Athletic’s Olympic schedule interactive page and sign up for the Games Briefing newsletter.

This year, the Olympics allow current NHL players to compete, which means the U.S. team boasts a star-studded roster. Some notable players include Quinn Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, and the Tkachuk brothers. While some roster decisions have sparked discussion, U.S. general manager Bill Guerin emphasizes the importance of team dynamics in building a winning squad.

Team USA faces tough competition, especially from Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Czechia. The preliminary matchups look promising for the U.S., with a shot at securing a first-round bye with a strong performance. But as the tournament progresses, the challenges will only get tougher, setting the stage for an intense battle that could lead to another memorable rivalry on ice — potentially with a gold medal at stake.

For fans following the games, preliminary matches will be broadcast on USA Network, with select quarterfinals and semifinals airing on USA or NBC. And if Team USA makes it to the gold-medal game, you can catch all the action on NBC during prime viewing hours.

So mark your calendars and get ready to cheer for the U.S. men’s hockey team as they aim for Olympic glory in Milan from February 12 to 22!