1998 – Women’s ice‑hockey makes its Olympic debut, launching a rivalry in which the United States and Canada meet in every final except 2006, a pattern that continues into 2026 [2].

1960 – The United States wins its first men’s Olympic gold, a title it will not repeat until the “Miracle on Ice” twenty‑years later [1].

1980 – The U.S. men’s team captures gold in the “Miracle on Ice,” their last men’s Olympic championship before 2026 [1].

2014 – The Vancouver Games host the final Olympic tournament with NHL players before a twelve‑year hiatus ends in Milan‑Cortina [1][25].

2025 – A Four Nations match erupts into three fights in the first nine seconds, heightening tensions that spill over into the 2026 Games [1].

Feb 16, 2026 – The United States and Canada prepare to meet in the women’s gold‑medal game, the seventh such showdown since 1998, with the U.S. entering as the tournament favorite after a 31‑1 goal differential [30].

Feb 18, 2026 – Captain Hilary Knight says she hopes to end her career with a gold‑medal win over Canada, describing the rivalry as “one of the most beautiful rivalries in sport” [24].

Feb 18, 2026 – The men’s quarterfinals feature the United States versus Sweden, marking the first Olympic tournament in twelve years to include active NHL players [25][28].

Feb 18, 2026 – The United States defeats Sweden 2‑1 in overtime, with Quinn Hughes scoring the winner and Connor Hellebuyck making 28 saves, sending the U.S. to the semifinals [23].

Feb 18, 2026 – Canada survives a 4‑3 overtime win over Czechia despite captain Sidney Crosby exiting with a leg injury, keeping the U.S.–Canada final possible [23][22].

Feb 18, 2026 – Seattle‑based forward Hilary Knight returns for a fifth Olympics, noting the personal significance of wearing the U.S. jersey and the historic U.S.–Canada rivalry [29].

Feb 19, 2026 – The women’s gold‑medal game is scheduled for 1:10 PM ET, with the United States entering unbeaten (6‑0) and Canada having rebounded from a 5‑0 preliminary loss [20].

Feb 19, 2026 – The United States defeats Canada 2‑1 in sudden‑death overtime, Megan Keller scoring the winner and Hilary Knight tying the game, giving the U.S. its third Olympic women’s‑hockey title [14][16][17].

Feb 19, 2026 – Hilary Knight becomes the all‑time U.S. women’s Olympic goal leader with her tying goal, surpassing Natalie Darwitz and Katie King, and also ties the Olympic points record after a retroactive assist [18].

Feb 19, 2026 – Knight proposes to speed‑skater Brittany Bowe during the Games, announcing their engagement in the midst of the tournament [15].

Feb 19, 2026 – The United States women’s curling team beats Switzerland 7‑6 in an extra end to secure a semifinal spot, while Sweden advances to the gold‑medal match [19].

Feb 20, 2026 – In the men’s semifinals, Canada rallies from a 2‑0 deficit to beat Finland 3‑2 on Nathan MacKinnon’s 35‑second‑left goal, advancing to the gold‑medal game despite captain Sidney Crosby missing the match with a knee injury [12].

Feb 20, 2026 – The United States thumps Slovakia 6‑2 to book the men’s gold‑medal clash with Canada, with goals from Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk, and Connor Hellebuyck posting a perfect 12‑for‑12 penalty kill [9][8][10].

Feb 20, 2026 – Zach Werenski says the upcoming Canada showdown is “the matchup everyone wanted,” while Matt Boldy and Brady Tkachuk echo the excitement, recalling the 4‑Nations fights [8].

Feb 20, 2026 – IOC president Kirsty Coventry announces the IOC will review an IOC member’s attendance at President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” meeting held the previous day, highlighting a rare sport‑politics overlap [3].

Feb 20, 2026 – Commentator Seth Bennett calls the tournament “the highest level of hockey we have ever seen at an Olympics,” noting the return of NHL talent and resolved ice‑quality concerns at the unfinished arena [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Team USA flag‑bearers Hilary Knight and ice‑dancer Evan Bates are named for the Closing Ceremony on Feb 22, with Knight having just set the U.S. goal record [13].

Feb 21, 2026 – Auston Matthews says the gold‑medal showdown with Canada will require a “full‑team effort,” expressing confidence after the 6‑2 semifinal win [3].

Feb 21, 2026 – Alex Ferreira wins men’s freeski halfpipe gold with a decisive final jump, edging Estonia’s Henry Sildaru and Canada’s Brendan Mackay [3].

Feb 21, 2026 – Norway leads the overall medal table (37 medals, 17 gold), with the United States second (29 medals, 10 gold) and host Italy third (27 medals, 9 gold) [3].

Feb 22, 2026 – The men’s gold‑medal game pits the United States against Canada at the unfinished Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, the tournament’s final event before the closing ceremony [1][6].

Feb 22, 2026 – Hilary Knight and Evan Bates carry the U.S. flag at the Closing Ceremony in Verona’s ancient Roman Arena, marking the end of the Milan‑Cortina Games [13].