The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 have begun. The men’s hockey tournament, the first with NHL players since the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, will feature all 12 teams playing three preliminary games in their respective groups, then all 12 moving on to a single-elimination playoff that will conclude with the Gold medal game on Feb. 22.

Slovakia enjoyed a home atmosphere in their win over hosts Italy at Milano Rho Arena in the men's Olympic ice hockey tournament on Friday, but their star player Juraj Slafkovsky is glad they will be back at Santagiulia for their final group game.

The Slovakia men’s hockey team upset Finland 4-1 in Wednesday’s round robin opener at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. And thanks to the hockey game, a fugitive’s 16-year escape from authorities also came to an end.

Adam Ruzicka scored his second goal in as many games and Team Slovakia took sole possession of first place in Group B with a 3-2 win against Team Italy at Rho Arena in Milan on Friday. Libor Hudacek and Matus Sukel also scored,

Juraj Slafkovsky became a teen sensation four years ago when Slovakia took bronze in the men's Olympic ice hockey and the now 21-year-old showed he means business at Milano Cortina, scoring two goals as his side beat defending champions Finland in the tournament opener on Wednesday.

They have a tough test the rest of the way, but Slovakia has the pieces in place to go on an unlikely run to the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Slovakia continues to impress at the tournament, remaining undefeated in Group B after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over host Italy. Captain Tomas Tatar and his teammates have defied expectations, showcasing strong leadership and a dangerous offensive unit.