After a 12-year absence, National Hockey League players are returning to the Winter Olympics, reigniting global interest in men’s ice hockey at the Milano-Cortina Games. All 32 NHL teams will be represented, marking a full-scale comeback after the league skipped the 2018 edition and opted out of 2022 due to pandemic-related concerns. While anticipation among fans is high, the road to this Olympic return has been marked by logistical challenges, venue scrutiny and intense negotiations.
With the tournament underway in Milan, elite players and national teams are preparing for a highly competitive field that blends Olympic prestige with professional-level talent.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
The NHL’s absence from the previous two Winter Olympics created a generational gap, preventing many of today’s top players from experiencing Olympic competition. The decision to return required coordination between the league, the International Olympic Committee and local organizers.
IOC Sports Director Pierre Ducrey acknowledged the extensive effort behind the scenes to secure NHL participation, noting that the return followed years of negotiation and planning.
Venue Concerns and Safety Checks
Preparation for the tournament was not without controversy. Construction delays and concerns over ice quality at Milan’s Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the secondary Rho facility raised questions about player safety. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly publicly warned that the league would withhold participation if conditions failed to meet standards.
To address these concerns, the NHL dispatched technical experts to observe trial events earlier this year. While players have noted minor surface wear during practice sessions, teams have expressed confidence that the facilities are suitable for competition.
Team USA and Canada: Renewed Rivalry
Team USA enters the tournament seeking its first men’s Olympic gold medal since 1980. The extended NHL absence denied many American stars the chance to compete on the Olympic stage, increasing both motivation and expectations for this year’s squad.
Canada, however, remains a formidable contender. The Canadians captured gold in the last two Winter Olympics that featured NHL players and once again field a roster filled with elite talent. Veteran leadership and experience could prove decisive in high-pressure matchups.
Tournament Format and Path to Gold
Twelve nations are divided into three groups of four teams. The competition begins with a round-robin stage, where each team plays three games. The three group winners and the best overall runner-up automatically advance to the quarterfinals.
The remaining eight teams are ranked based on group-stage performance and must compete in single-game qualification matchups to earn a place in the quarterfinals. From that point forward, the tournament follows a knockout format, culminating in the gold medal final on February 22.
Conclusion
The return of NHL players restores the Olympic men’s hockey tournament to its highest competitive level, blending national pride with professional excellence. Despite early venue concerns, the Games are now underway with renewed excitement and strong international representation. As traditional rivals and emerging contenders face off, the tournament promises a compelling battle for Olympic gold.
