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yesterday

NHL Stars to Compete in Milano-Cortina 2026 After Formal Olympic Agreement

The pact signed in Switzerland at IOC headquarters ends a 12-year Olympic absence by securing NHL participation through 2030

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Mar 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; An National Hockey League puck is seen on the ice during warmups prior to a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vegas Golden Knights at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Representatives from the NHL, NHLPA and IIHF formalized the agreement with the IOC in Switzerland to allow NHL players to compete at Milano-Cortina 2026.
  • The deal guarantees NHL athlete participation in the men’s hockey tournament from Feb. 11 to 22, 2026, and again at the 2030 Winter Games in France’s Alps.
  • NHL players last appeared in the Olympics at Sochi 2014 before missing 2018 over funding disputes and 2022 due to pandemic complications.
  • IIHF president Luc Tardif and NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh hailed the agreement as a major step forward for international ice hockey and best-on-best competition.
  • The signing builds on last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off showcase and marks the first regular Olympic hockey cycle since 2014.