The Milan-Cortina Olympics are just around the corner, and the men’s ice hockey tournament is one event you absolutely cannot miss.
Why? Because it’s like the World Baseball Classic featuring every major leaguer—only this time, it’s happening at the Olympics for the first time in 12 years.
The monsters with combined annual salaries in the hundreds of billions of yen, who couldn’t compete in Pyeongchang or Beijing due to adult circumstances, will finally gather in Milan.
Among them, we’ve picked out the five strongest players for 2026 who you absolutely must watch. The fact that they’ll stand on the same ice is a historic event.
Connor McDavid (Canada)
“The Shohei Ohtani of the Ice” Makes Olympic Debut
His nickname is “McJesus”. Fans in his home city of Edmonton started using it, and it spread across the entire country.
He’s also called “The Chosen One” or “MCD”
What makes “McJesus” so incredible?
In a word: “Too fast.”
With explosive acceleration that makes other players look stationary, he tears through defenses single-handedly. He’s currently the world’s best hockey player, but unfortunately, he’s never competed in the Olympics.
The moment he touches the puck, the arena’s atmosphere shifts. Blinking is forbidden.
Preview the action in this video
It encapsulates his “unfair speed”—accelerating with the puck, leaving defenders in his wake, and scoring goals.
Auston Matthews (USA)
“The 69-Goal Man” – The World’s Deadliest Scorer
His nickname is “Papi”. He loves baseball and admires David Ortiz (the former Red Sox hero nicknamed Big Papi), which is why he’s called this.
He’s also known as “AM34,” derived from his initials and jersey number. It’s similar to soccer’s CR7 (Cristiano Ronaldo).
What makes “Papi” so incredible?
His “shooting precision”. In the 2023-24 season, he scored an astonishing 69 goals. From any position, he finds the back of the net with pinpoint accuracy.
He’s like the ultimate weapon to defeat North American rivals Canada. Give him even a moment’s opening, and the game is over.
Preview the action in this video
It clearly shows his signature move: the godlike technique of the “snap shot,” requiring almost no preparation.
Nathan MacKinnon (Canada)
“Runaway Train” … The embodiment of power and speed
“Nate the Great” is his official nickname, but teammates also call him “The Dogg” in recognition of his fierce competitive spirit.
He’s sometimes called “MacK” for short.
What makes “Nate the Great” so great?
He’s Canada’s fiery leader, constantly inspiring his team with an intensity that makes him seem perpetually “angry.”
If McJesus, aka David McCallum, is an “F1 car,” then Nate the Great is a “runaway truck.” He charges forward, using his overwhelming strength and speed to knock opponents aside.
Preview the action in this video
You’ll see his tank-like plays, a fusion of power and speed, dragging opponents along as he heads for the goal.
Cale Makar (Canada)
“The Dancer on Ice” … Don’t be fooled by his boyish looks
His nickname is “All Hail Cale.” It means “Long live Cale!” and comes from the Roman imperial salute “All Hail Caesar.”
During broadcasts, he’s also called “The Rosy-Cheeked Assassin.” This contrasts his baby face and rosy cheeks with his ruthlessly cold and ferocious play.
What makes “All Hail Cale” so amazing?
Despite being a defenseman, he confuses opponents with figure skater-like edge work. His dance at the blue line is pure artistry.
Then he seamlessly transitions into attack and scores.
He’s the poster child for modern hockey.
Preview the action in this video
You can see his unique style: effortlessly evading opposing forwards on the blue line, creating chances as if dancing.
Connor Bedard (Canada)
The 20-year-old prodigy dubbed “The Next Monster”
His nickname is “Bedsy”—a hockey-specific moniker formed by adding “sy” to the end of his name.
Carrying the weight of expectations to lead the next era of ice hockey, he is also called “The Future” or “Connor 2.0” (version 2.0 of Connor McDavid).
What makes “Bedsy” so incredible?
Drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Already possessing polished skills as a teenager, he’s hailed as “McDavid’s successor” and the “key to rebuilding the Blackhawks” – a true prodigy.
Milan Cortina marks his world debut. Like Sidney Croby before him, we might witness the moment a young hero creates legend.
Preview the action in this video
In his rookie season, he’s already holding his own against top players, scoring goals with a cool composure that exudes the aura of a future superstar.
When is the ice hockey in Milan and Cortina?
Men’s ice hockey begins with the preliminary round on Wednesday, February 11th at the Milan venue. Be sure to check the official website for the competition schedule. Times are tentative and subject to change.
The finals might feature a dream North American showdown with NHL players competing.
- The knockout stage starts on Wednesday, February 18.
- The semifinals begin at 4:40 PM local time on Friday, February 20.
- The final starts at 2:10 PM local time on Sunday, February 22.
