The wait is finally over. The 2026 Winter Games mark the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014. I’ve always felt that nothing quite matches the intensity of “best-on-best” international hockey, and we saw that firsthand in 2025 with the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Seeing superstars like Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, and Matthew and Brady Tkachuk trade their NHL sweaters for the Red, White, and Blue is the ultimate mid-winter spectacle.
The 2026 U.S. Men’s National Team travels to Milan, Italy, with the goal of ending a gold-medal drought that dates back to the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. They will compete primarily at the Milano Santagiulia Arena and Fiera Milano, looking to prove that this young, fast American roster is truly the best in the world.
Because the Games are in Italy, U.S. fans will need to handle some logistics. Most live games will air during the morning and early afternoon across North America. But don’t worry about the time difference. I’ve mapped out the complete schedule below so you don’t miss a single puck drop.
What channel is Team USA Men’s Hockey on?
You can watch Team USA hockey on Peacock, USA Network, and NBC during the 2026 Winter Olympics. But for year-round coverage of other high-profile hockey events, you’ll also want ESPN, TNT, and NHL Network.
For the Winter Games in Milan, Peacock is the only place to stream every game live. USA Network serves as the main cable home for Team USA matchups, while the biggest clashes will air on NBC. Once the Olympic flame goes out, coverage shifts back to NHL Network, which holds the exclusive rights to the IIHF World Championship and other national team tournaments.
2026 U.S. Men’s Hockey TV schedule
Unlike the NHL’s 82-game grind, Team USA appearances are special occasions that carry unique weight. With national team tournaments happening so rarely, every game feels like a Game 7.
The men’s Olympic tournament features three groups of four teams. Team USA has been placed in Group C, setting up a rigorous opening round against top European contenders. Check out the schedule below, where I’ve compiled upcoming game times and channel listings.
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | Thursday, Feb. 12 | 3:10 p.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
| Denmark | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 3:10 p.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
| Germany | Sunday, Feb. 15 | 3:10 p.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
Data effective as of post date.
Best ways to watch Team USA Men’s Hockey
Hockey is a game of speed, and you’ll want a viewing setup that can keep up with the action without lag or buffering. Since international games can air during the workday, you also need a plan that makes it easy to catch up on highlights and replays. Here are my top recommendations.
- Best for every Olympic moment (Peacock): Peacock Premium is the “all-access pass” for Team USA at the Olympics. Its dedicated “Hockey Hub” features live streams, full-game replays, and condensed highlights. If you’re late to start a game, the “Catch Up with Key Plays” feature allows you to see all the goals and big saves before jumping into the live action.
- Best for year-round coverage (DIRECTV): If you prefer the traditional broadcast experience, DIRECTV is my top choice. It carries NBC, USA Network, and crucial NHL channels for year-round coverage. The included unlimited Cloud DVR is a lifesaver, letting you record matchups when you’re away and watch them whenever it’s convenient.
- Best free option (TV antenna): For Olympic games airing on NBC, you actually don’t need a TV subscription at all. A digital antenna can pick up your local NBC station for free, giving you access to marquee games and the anticipated medal matchups.
Team USA Men’s Hockey FAQ
Can I watch Team USA men's hockey for free?
You can watch the Gold Medal Game and other major Olympic highlights on your local NBC station for free with a digital antenna. For all other live TV coverage, I recommend using a free trial to a service like DIRECTV or YouTube TV to get traditional channels like USA Network and NHL Network.
Who are the key players to watch for Team USA?
The 2026 Olympic roster will be anchored by superstars like Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), and Adam Fox (New York Rangers). Young phenoms like Jack Hughes and Matthew Tkachuk are also expected to lead the offensive charge.
Who is the head coach for Team USA in 2026?
The Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Sullivan has been officially named the head coach for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. He'll be joined by Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, who serves as the team's general manager.
Has Team USA men's hockey won gold recently?
The U.S. men's team hasn't won Olympic gold since 1980. But they have consistently been in the mix, winning silver in 2002 and 2010. The 2026 squad is widely considered one of the most talented rosters the U.S. has ever produced.
