NHK announces live broadcast of the men's ice hockey preliminary round match between Czech Republic and Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Japanese broadcaster NHK has confirmed it will air the men's ice hockey preliminary round clash between Czech Republic and Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The match will be broadcast on NHK General TV in the early hours of February 13th at 0:30 AM local time (late Thursday night).
This announcement comes as part of NHK's comprehensive coverage plan for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, with the broadcaster committing to stream all ice hockey matches on its NHK ONE platform. Both live streaming and on-demand viewing options will be available for viewers who cannot watch the late-night broadcast.
Czech Republic vs Canada: A Classic Hockey Rivalry
The matchup between Czech Republic and Canada represents one of the most anticipated preliminary round games in the men's ice hockey tournament. Canada has historically dominated Olympic ice hockey, winning nine gold medals in the men's competition, while the Czech Republic (including its predecessor Czechoslovakia) has claimed two Olympic titles and consistently fielded competitive teams.
Preliminary round results will be crucial for determining seeding in the knockout stages. Both nations will be eager to secure a strong position early in the tournament, making this opening-phase encounter particularly significant despite not being an elimination game.
NHK's Olympic Coverage Strategy
NHK's decision to broadcast all ice hockey matches reflects the sport's growing popularity in Japan and the broadcaster's commitment to comprehensive Olympic coverage. The late-night broadcast time accommodates the European time zone where the games will be played in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Ice HockeyNHL Preseason Finale Today, Regular Season Opens TuesdayJapanese viewers will have multiple viewing options through NHK's digital platforms, ensuring fans can follow the action regardless of the challenging broadcast schedule. The availability of on-demand content will be particularly valuable for a sport where matches often extend beyond their scheduled time slots.
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will mark Italy's return as Olympic host for the first time since Turin 2006. The ice hockey tournament will be among the marquee events, with matches split between venues in Milan and the surrounding region. The men's tournament will feature 12 national teams competing for Olympic gold over two weeks of intense competition.
As the Games approach, broadcasters worldwide are finalizing their coverage plans to bring the action to audiences across different time zones. NHK's announcement provides Japanese ice hockey fans with certainty about how they can follow their favorite teams and players throughout the tournament.
