As the NHL returns to the Olympic stage for the first time in 12 years, Team Canada enters the 2026 Winter Games with a roster that blends legendary veterans with a new era of superstars. While the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off provided the first glimpse of this “Golden Generation” playing together, the Olympic stage in Italy represents the ultimate test of their legacy.
I’ve always felt that the pressure on Team Canada is unlike any other team in sports. For this squad, it’s gold or bust. The 2026 Canadian Men’s National Team will travel to Milan, Italy, with a roster that reads like an NHL All-Star ballot, featuring superstars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Macklin Celebrini. They’ll be looking to reclaim the top of the podium for the first time since 2014.
Because the Games are in Italy, fans in Canada will need to prepare for some early starts. Milan is six hours ahead of Eastern Time (and nine hours ahead of Pacific Time), meaning many marquee matchups will air live during the breakfast and lunch hours. But don’t worry about the math. I’ve compiled the complete schedule with confirmed game times and channel listings below.
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What channel is Team Canada Men’s Hockey on?
Watching Team Canada is rarely a single-channel experience. Whether it’s the World Juniors, the World Championship, or the Winter Games, national team broadcasts are often shared across Canada’s major sports networks to ensure the best availability.
- CBC: As the official Olympic broadcaster, CBC is the primary TV home for Team Canada in Milan. Expect every Olympic game to be broadcast live with top-tier Canadian commentary.
- TSN & Sportsnet: These networks will carry extensive live coverage of the men’s Olympic tournament, providing alternative viewing options and deep-dive analysis. Outside of the Winter Games, TSN and Sportsnet are also your go-to destinations for major events like the World Juniors and World Hockey Championships.
- CBC Gem: For those on the go, the CBC Gem app is a lifesaver. It provides free live streams of the Olympic Games and full-game replays for those who can’t tune in during work hours.
Living in the U.S.? You can stream Team Canada’s Olympic matches on Peacock or watch select games on NBC and USA Network. For national team coverage outside the Winter Games, keep an eye on NHL Network.
2026 Canada Men’s Hockey TV schedule
It’s always a special time when Team Canada is on TV. Because national team tournaments are few and far between, every game feels like a must-watch occasion.
Canada opens the Olympic tournament against Czechia, followed by a physical test against Switzerland, and closes the round-robin against France. You can find the complete dates, times, and channels for every matchup in the table below.
Data effective as of post date.
Best ways to watch Team Canada Men’s Hockey
Finding the right TV plan comes down to what kind of fan you are. Do you just want a free pass for the Olympics or a dedicated subscription for year-round international play? I’ve outlined three options you’ll want to consider based on your location and level of fandom.
- Best free option (CBC Gem): For the 2026 Winter Olympics, CBC Gem is essential. You can stream every game live for free (ad-supported). If you need to catch up on those early-morning games without spoilers, the Premium Tier ($5.99/mo.) offers an ad-free VOD library and a dedicated 24/7 Olympic news feed.
- Best for hockey purists (TSN & Sportsnet): While CBC focuses on the “big picture” of the Olympics, TSN and Sportsnet are the go-to destinations for die-hards, offering “trade-deadline style” panels and deep tactical analysis. Both networks are available in standard TV plans from providers like Bell and Rogers, or you can subscribe directly to their standalone streaming services (TSN and Sportsnet+). Beyond the Olympics, they remain essential for catching Team Canada in other international competitions.
- Best for U.S. viewers (Peacock): If you’re watching from south of the border, Peacock is the only way to watch the entire Olympic Games. But for year-round national team coverage, you’ll want access to NHL Network through a live TV provider.
Team Canada Men’s Hockey FAQ
Can I watch Canada men's hockey for free?
Yes, you can stream every Team Canada game for free on the CBC Gem app in Canada. CBC's over-the-air station will also carry Olympic coverage if you live near an affiliate station and own a quality digital antenna.
Who are the key players to watch for Team Canada?
The roster is expected to be a "Who's Who" of hockey royalty, led by captain-contenders Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. Other locks include Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), and Mitch Marner (Vegas Golden Knights).
Are NHL players playing in the 2026 Olympics?
Yes! Following a long wait since the 2014 Games in Sochi, the NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF have officially confirmed participation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. This marks the Olympic debut for superstars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon.
Has Team Canada men's hockey won gold recently?
Canada won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2010 (Vancouver) and 2014 (Sochi). But without NHL players, they took bronze in 2018 and finished out of the medals in 2022. The 2026 tournament is seen as Canada's chance to re-establish global dominance.
