Many people think it's just a matter of turning on the TV when the puck drops in Milan, but the truth is that you actually need to keep an eye on the times to avoid missing the drama. It's easy to get lost in the TV schedule sometimes - right? But rest assured, because we at uPlay have sorted out the mess for you.
Below you'll find the complete schedule for both the men's and women's games so you can plan your TV viewing in detail.
You really don't want to miss the Three Crowns go for gold between February 5-22, so make sure to save this list right away.
What's the deal with hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
It all kicks off on Thursday, February 5 when the women's team takes on Germany, so make sure your coffee is charged. Then the action kicks off on the 11th when the men get into the act. It's full steam ahead in Milan until the men's final on February 22, and you really don't want to miss out when giants like Canada and the USA battle it out for the medals. The schedule is absolutely packed. So book the TV couch, because this is going to be a doozy.
My take on the women's game schedule: the matches you can't miss
While many look to the men's stars, it's in the women's opening round where the real excitement lies. You'll need to be on the bench for the opener on Thursday, February 5, because Sweden's opening match against Germany at 12.10pm will be crucial to the pace of the tournament.
But what if you only watch one non-Swedish match?
Then Tuesday, February 10 is the day. The rivalry game between Canada and USA at 20.10 is a potential early final and usually offers the absolute grumpiest and best hockey of the tournament - so make sure you're ready on the couch then.
Men's highlights: The must-see games
What's hotter than a Nordic derby on the ice? Already in the group stage, you'll be treated to one of the tournament's biggest clashes when Sweden takes on Finland on Friday 13 February at 12.10. It's a game you just can't miss - the rivalry is total.
But don't forget about the great powers from the other side of the Atlantic. If you look closely at the schedule, the meeting between Czech Republic and Canada on February 12 also looks to be a real thriller with a high tempo.
It's important that you keep an eye on the times for the playoffs too. Because when the final is played on February 22, you'll want to be ready on your couch with the best possible view.
How to follow the drama: Streaming with uPlay
Are you panicking about missing that crucial penalty shootout in a quarterfinal? You don't have to. To watch everything from Milano Cortina 2026, uPlay+ is the way to go. You can also stream the whole thing via HBO Max if you prefer. So make sure you set up your connection well before February 6 - because when the puck drops, you'll want to be ready on the couch, not stuck in some complicated menu.
Why the playoffs matter: A look at the road to gold
It's easy to think that the group stage is the whole thing, but it's actually just the warm-up for the real drama. When the puck drops for the first playoff game Tuesday, February 17, everything changes - the pace, the intensity and the nerves.
Suddenly, there are no second chances.
You'll be on the edge of your seat as the world's best hockey nations fight for survival, game after game, all the way to the decisive gold medal game on Sunday, February 22. These are the moments when history is made and you won't want to miss a second of it.
Memories of past Olympics: What makes hockey so special?
There's a lot of talk about the 'best on best' finally being back as the NHL pros make their entrance in Milan, and can you feel the difference in the air? There's something electric about Olympic hockey that regular league games rarely match.
Just think back to Foppa's classic penalty in Lillehammer 94 or the excruciatingly exciting final in Turin 2006 - these are moments that define generations.
When everything is at stake in a single match, anything can happen. And that's the drama you don't want to miss.
Conclusion: How to follow the hockey party in Milan
The Milan Winter Olympics are going to be crazy good. Now that you know the schedule, you know exactly when to hit the couch - because you don't want to miss the Tre Kronor taking to the ice. Between February 5 and 22, it is important that the technology really works.
Hockey Olympics Schedule: Women February 5-19, 2026
Thursday, February 512.10: Sweden - Germany14.40: Italy - France16.40: USA - Czech Republic21.10: Finland - Canada
Friday, February 612.10: France - Japan14.40: Czech Republic - Switzerland
Saturday, February 712.10: Germany - Japan14.40: Sweden - Italy16.40: USA - Finland21.10: Switzerland - Canada
Sunday, February 816.40: France - Sweden21.10: Czech Republic - Finland
Monday, February 912.10: Japan - Italy16.40: Germany - France20.10: Switzerland - USA21.10: Canada - Czech Republic
Tuesday, February 1012.10: Japan - Sweden16.40: Italy - Germany20.10: Canada - USA21.10: Finland - Switzerland
Friday, February 1316.40: Quarterfinal 121.10: Quarterfinal 2
Saturday, February 1416.40: Quarterfinal 321.10: Quarterfinal 4
Monday, February 1616.40: Semi-final 121.10: Semi-final 2
Thursday, February 1914.40: Bronze match19.10: Final
Hockey Olympics Schedule: Men February 11-22, 2026
Wednesday, February 1116.40: Slovakia - Finland21.10: Sweden - Italy
Thursday, February 1212.10: Switzerland - France16.40: Czech Republic - Canada21.10: Latvia - USA21.10: Germany - Denmark
Friday, February 1312.10: Finland - Sweden12.10: Italy - Slovakia16.40: France - Czech Republic21.10: Canada - Switzerland
Saturday, February 1412.10: Sweden - Slovakia12.10: Germany - Latvia16.40: Finland - Italy21.10: USA - Denmark
Sunday, February 1512.10: Switzerland - Czech Republic16.40: Canada - France19.10: Denmark - Latvia21.10: USA - Germany
Tuesday, February 1712.10: Playoff game16.40: Playoff game21.10: Playoff game
Wednesday, February 1812.10: Quarterfinal 116.40: Quarterfinal 218.10: Quarterfinal 321.10: Quarterfinal 4
Friday, February 2016.40: Semi-final 121.10: Semi-final 2
Saturday, February 2120.40: Bronze Match
Sunday, February 2214.10: Final
So make sure your IPTV is ready for kick-off. Here at uPlay, we'll make sure you have a front row seat all the way to the final, so you don't have to worry about any hiccups when it comes to the final. Start here today!