Team Canada proving why they are the best at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Feb 14, 2026 - 19:30

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Team Canada proving why they are the best at the 2026 Winter Olympics

At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Canada’s men’s ice hockey team has re-established itself as a dominant force on the international stage — blending NHL superstars, rising young talent, and disciplined team play to build one of the most impressive starts in the tournament’s preliminary round.

Dominant Start to the Tournament

Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Connor McDavid of Canada celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal against Switzerland in men’s ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Team Canada entered the Olympics as one of the favorites — buoyed by a roster stacked with NHL talent and led by captain Sidney Crosby alongside elite players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. In their opening game, the Canadians made a statement with a commanding 5–0 win over Czechia. The offense was balanced and unstoppable:

19-year-old Macklin Celebrini scored the opening goal in his Olympic debut, becoming the youngest Canadian NHLer ever to score at the Games.
Veterans such as Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki also found the back of the net.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington posted a 26-save shutout, setting the tone early for Canada’s defensive strength.

Canada followed that with another impressive performance, cruising past Switzerland 5–1 in their next preliminary game. Connor McDavid finally lit the lamp for his first Olympic goal and also set up several others, while Sidney Crosby added his sixth career Olympic goal, continuing his legacy as one of Canada’s all-time Olympic greats.

Together, these victories secured Canada’s position at the top of Group A, earning them a bye into the quarterfinals and reinforcing their status as gold-medal contenders.

MORE: Full list of NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

Star Power and Depth Across the Roster

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson of Canada celebrate after the match against Switzerland in men’s ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marton Monus/Reuters via Imagn Images

One of Canada’s greatest strengths at these Olympics is the mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic new stars:

Sidney Crosby, wearing the captain’s “C,” brings invaluable leadership and Olympic experience, having previously won gold with Canada in 2010 and 2014.
Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon are among the most elite NHL talents in the world, driving much of Canada’s offense and setting up scoring chances night after night.
Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player on the roster, has already made headlines with his poise and scoring ability, injecting youth and energy into the lineup.

This combination of leadership and explosive skill has allowed Canada to control games from start to finish, overwhelming opponents with balanced scoring and relentless pressure.

Strategic Preparation Off the Ice

In a move that drew attention off the ice, the Canadian men’s hockey team opted to stay at a five-star hotel instead of the Olympic Village, a decision driven by a desire to focus completely on preparation and performance. Goaltender Logan Thompson explained that the choice was about optimizing their routine and mentality for success in pursuit of gold.

Looking Ahead in the Olympics

Feb 12, 2026; Milan, Italy; Macklin Celebrini and Jordan Binnington of Canada celebrate after the match against Czechia in a men’s ice hockey group A match during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

With a perfect record in group play so far and a quarterfinal bye secured, Canada enters the knockout rounds with momentum and confidence. Their performances have shown remarkable consistency on both ends of the ice — opportunistic scoring, disciplined defense, and strong goaltending — all essential components for a deep Olympic run.

As the tournament progresses toward elimination games and medal rounds, Team Canada is viewed as one of the top threats for gold, with a roster capable of delivering in high-pressure moments and a blend of experience and youthful skill that few teams can match.