Crosby, 38, Leads Canada Against Czechia at Milano Cortina

Sidney Crosby takes the ice at age 38 as Canada faces Czechia in men's ice hockey preliminary round action at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.

The Canadian men's ice hockey team opened their Olympic campaign with a preliminary round clash against Czechia, broadcast live by NHK. The matchup represents one of the marquee contests of the early tournament rounds, pitting two nations with deep hockey traditions against each other on the Olympic stage.

Among the notable storylines is the presence of Canadian captain Sidney Crosby, who at 38 years old continues to represent his country at the highest level of international competition. The Pittsburgh Penguins center has been a fixture of Canadian hockey excellence for two decades, having previously captured Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. His participation in Milano Cortina demonstrates both his enduring skill and Canada's reliance on veteran leadership as they pursue another Olympic title.

Canada and Czechia Renew Olympic Rivalry

The preliminary round encounter between Canada and Czechia carries significant weight for both teams' medal aspirations. Canada enters the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a roster that blends experienced NHL stars with younger talent. The team's depth and scoring ability make them a formidable opponent in any matchup.

Czechia, meanwhile, brings their own pedigree to the ice. The Czech program has produced numerous NHL stars over the years and has consistently competed at the highest levels of international hockey. Their style of play emphasizes technical skill and disciplined team defense, making them a challenging opponent for even the most talented rosters.

Full Ice Hockey Coverage at Milano Cortina

NHK is providing comprehensive coverage of the ice hockey tournament at Milano Cortina 2026, streaming all matches throughout the competition. The broadcaster's commitment to full tournament coverage reflects the growing global interest in Olympic hockey and ensures fans can follow every development from the preliminary rounds through the medal games.

The preliminary round results will determine seeding for the knockout stages, where the intensity and stakes rise dramatically. Both Canada and Czechia will be looking to secure strong positioning that could provide more favorable matchups as the tournament progresses toward the medal rounds.