Olympic Hockey Watch: Senators Stars Set for Center Stage in Milan
The spotlight’s shifting to Milan, and for hockey fans in Ottawa, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament gets underway. With six current Senators players and prospects suiting up for their respective countries, the international stage is about to feel a little more like home ice.
Team Canada opens its Olympic campaign Thursday morning, and while the national team always draws big attention, Sens fans will be tuning in with extra interest. Several familiar faces will be spread across the tournament, representing five different nations. Whether it’s a top-pairing defenseman, a rising young forward, or a goaltender trying to make his mark, Ottawa’s fingerprints are all over this Olympic run.
Let’s break down the full preliminary-round schedule - with a focus on when and where Senators players will be in action. All times are Eastern.
2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey - Preliminary Round Schedule (EST)
Wednesday, February 11
- 10:40 AM - Finland vs Slovakia
*Keep an eye on Nikolas Matinpalo as he represents Finland. The physical blueliner will be looking to carve out a key role on a Finnish squad that always brings defensive structure and grit.
Thursday, February 12
- 10:40 AM - Canada vs Czechia
*Canada’s Olympic journey begins. While the final lineup is still subject to change, this is the first chance to see the red and white in action.
- 3:10 PM - Denmark vs Germany *This one’s loaded with Senators storylines.
Lars Eller and Mads Søgaard suit up for Denmark, while Tim Stützle - one of Ottawa’s brightest stars - lines up for Germany. Stützle’s playmaking ability will be tested against a Danish squad that’s quietly built a strong international presence.
- 3:10 PM - USA vs Latvia *Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson get their first Olympic reps here.
For Sanderson, this is a major opportunity to showcase his two-way game on the world’s biggest stage. Tkachuk, meanwhile, brings his trademark physicality and leadership to a Team USA roster with serious medal aspirations.
Friday, February 13
- 6:10 AM - Sweden vs Finland
*Another appearance for Nikolas Matinpalo as Finland faces off against a skilled Swedish team. Expect a tight, defensive battle - right in Matinpalo’s wheelhouse.
- 3:10 PM - Switzerland vs Canada *Canada’s second game of the tournament, and a good test against a Swiss team that’s known for its structure and goaltending.
These are the kinds of games that help championship teams find their rhythm. *
Saturday, February 14
- 6:10 AM - Latvia vs Germany
*Tim Stützle’s back in action here, and these are the matchups where his offensive instincts can shine. Latvia’s a disciplined team, but Stützle’s speed and creativity could be the difference.
- 10:40 AM - Italy vs Finland Matinpalo’s third game in four days - a chance for him to continue logging big minutes and proving he can handle the grind of tournament play.
- 3:10 PM - Denmark vs USA *Circle this one.
It’s a full-on Senators showdown: Eller and Søgaard for Denmark, Tkachuk and Sanderson for the U.S. You’ve got teammates turning into opponents, and the on-ice intensity should reflect that.
Søgaard might even get the start in net, and if he does, he’ll be staring down two of his NHL teammates. *
Sunday, February 15
- 10:40 AM - France vs Canada
*Canada closes out its round-robin slate here. Depending on earlier results, this could be a crucial game for seeding - or a chance to rest key players.
Either way, expect a professional performance. *
- 1:10 PM - Latvia vs Denmark *Eller and Søgaard are back at it, and this one has wild-card implications written all over it.
Every point matters in the Olympic format, and this could be a make-or-break game for both squads. *
- 3:10 PM - Germany vs USA *Another marquee matchup featuring multiple Senators.
Stützle vs. Tkachuk and Sanderson - a heavyweight battle that could decide group standings.
Don’t be surprised if this one feels like a playoff game. *
Tournament Format: What You Need to Know
Here’s how the Olympic men’s hockey tournament is structured:
- 12 teams, split into three groups. Each team plays three round-robin games.
- Teams earn 3 points for a regulation win, 2 for an overtime/shootout win, and 1 for an overtime/shootout loss.
- After the round robin, the three group winners and the best second-place team get a bye to the quarterfinals.
- The remaining eight teams enter a qualification round - a sudden-death play-in to reach the quarters.
- From there, it’s a straight knockout: quarterfinals → semifinals → medal games.
With so many Senators players in the mix, this Olympic tournament is more than just a showcase of international talent - it’s a glimpse into the future of Ottawa’s core. Whether it’s Sanderson anchoring the blue line for Team USA, Stützle dazzling with Germany, or Søgaard trying to steal a game in net for Denmark, the next week promises plenty of drama, skill, and storylines.
So set your alarms, clear your schedule, and get ready to watch your favorite Senators chase Olympic glory. This is the kind of hockey that brings the world together - and for Sens fans, it hits especially close to home.