From Feb. 6–22, 2026, the world’s eyes turn to Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Follow along with the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team's journey, from the moment they touch down in Italy to the final buzzer of this year's Games.
Monday, February 9 | Team USA 5, Finland 0
GAME PHOTOS
MILAN – Led by three-point performances from Joy Dunne (O’Fallon, Mo./Ohio State University) (1g, 2a) and Caroline Harvey (Salem, N.H./University of Wisconsin) (1g, 2a), the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team defeated Switzerland, 5-0, in the preliminary round of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
“Today was another great step,” said John Wroblewski (Neenah, Wis.), head coach of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. “We were strong in net and broke through offensively. It was great to see so many players contribute and this is a performance to build off as we continue the tournament.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Sunday, February 8 | Lunching With Legends
After a hard-fought 5-0 win over Finland last night the team once again had a relaxing day away from the rink, focused on rest and recovery, especially with two back-to-back games coming up on the schedule. A few players had an exciting adventure around lunch time, enjoying lunch with a very special guest, legendary actor and known food connoisseur Stanley Tucci.
Tucci, who is serving as a special correspondent for NBC in Milan, invited Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, Lee Stecklein, Kelly Pannek and Rory Guilday to one of his favorite spots in Milan to enjoy fabulous food and drinks while enjoying a laughter filled meal.
Lunch was at Ristorante Ratanà, where the chef hand prepared a pumpkin risotto served to the group outside on the restaurant’s patio, where they traded questions, laughs and skating tips. The group was in agreement at the end of the meal, it was the best meal they’ve had in Milan.
The players ended lunch by gifting Tucci a signed jersey before heading back to the village to prepare for tomorrow’s game against Switzerland.
Curious to hear more about lunch with Stanley Tucci? You’re in luck! NBC’s cameras were in attendance to capture all the fun. Tune in to NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics to catch the meal.
A CHANGE IN SCENERY
The next two games are unique, as they are in a different venue from where the first two games were. The team’s first two games were at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, northwest of the city, while the next two games are at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, all the way across town. In order to prepare to play at a different arena, team staff packed up the essentials from Rho, before moving to the new rink, setting up shop. Equipment managers Sis Paulsen, Jeff Mobley, operations manager Doug Ferry, video coach Melissa Piacentini and sports dietician Kaela Colvard were the muscles behind the operations making sure not a skate was out of place for when the players arrive to the rink tomorrow morning for morning skate.
All the locker rooms at Santagiulia are in a long hallway right next to each other, but the U.S. has a very familiar and friendly neighbor, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.
AT THE OLYMPICS WITH ... LAILA EDWARDS
What Does It Mean To Represent Team USA In Milan? “It’s an incredible honor that only a small percentage of people get to do, and I don’t take it lightly.”
What Are You Most Looking Forward To In Milan? “I’m looking forward to seeing all the athletes in the village and seeing them compete in their respective sports.”
What Is Your Favorite Olympic Memory? “That’s easy, the 2018 Olympic in PeyongChang. Watching the U.S. win gold in such exciting fashion only fueled my drive to make it her one day myself.”
What Other Sport Would You Love To See In Milan? “I am super interested in speedskating and figure skating of course as well.”
What Other Olympic Sport Do You Think You’d Be Good At? “Basketball. I’m 6-1, so that speaks for itself.”
Window or Aisle Seat? “Window.”
One Travel Essential? “My Airpods.”
Favorite Vacation Destination? “Hawaii.”
Pregame Skate or Pregame Nap? “Pregame skate.”
White Tape or Black Tape? “White tape.”
Power Play or Penalty Kill? “Power play.”
Saturday, February 7 | Team USA 5, Finland 0
GAME PHOTOS
MILAN – Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho/Seattle Torrent) tied the record for career goals by an American at the Olympic Winter Games, as the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team topped Finland 5-0 in the preliminary round of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.
“It’s so important to be a team that knows how to control their bounces, always cover for each other, and to value every puck,” said John Wroblewski (Neenah, Wis.), head coach of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. “You never feel like you have the other team beat until you have them down and out. We had to play strong for a full 60 minutes and we got the job done.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Friday, February 6 | Baby, Let The Game Begin
Following an impressive 5-1 victory over Czechia to open the tournament last night, Team USA took the day away from the ice, gathering for some team bonding and meetings before the main event of the day…the Opening Ceremonies.
Mid-morning, the team and staff gathered at Savini 1867 a restaurant just steps from the Duomo for a hearty brunch that included waffles, croissants, fruit, eggs and bacon. A delicious meal with a picturesque backdrop. Following brunch, the group took a short walk to the hotel the team staff is staying in for meetings and video before giving the players a few hours to walk around and explore before they headed back to the village to prepare for the Opening Ceremonies.
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OPENING CEREMONIES
One of the most special experiences an Olympic athlete can experience, the Opening Ceremonies took place tonight. With the Games spread across Italy, the main ceremony was held at San Siro Stadium in Milan, with athletes walking in satellite ceremonies all throughout the mountain villages as well. The ceremony started with beautiful dances, alongside a performance by Mariah Carey, before the parade of countries started. The countries walk in alphabetical order, so the United States was towards the end of the parade. As Team USA walked in, fans spotted the women’s hockey team walking alongside each other towards the back of the pack, soaking in the moment.
With another game in less than 24 hours, the team took an early bus back, prioritizing rest and preparation for tomorrow’s game against Finland.
Relive the ceremony through the eyes of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team below.
A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT
If you tuned in to the Opening Ceremonies on NBC, you saw the one and only Taylor Swift, wishing Team USA the best of luck at the Winter Olympics. Hear her words of inspiration for the incredible athletes!
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Thursday, February 5 | Team USA 5, Czechia 1
GAME PHOTOS
MILAN – Hayley Scamurra (Buffalo, N.Y./Montreal Victoire) scored a pair of goals as the U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team secured a 5-1 victory over Czechia to open the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.
“Today was a great start, but every game we have to grow,” said John Wroblewski (Neenah, Wis.), head coach of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. “We’ve cultivated a style of play over the last four years, and we’re in full trust of this team as Olympians. It’s cliché, but every game, we need to grow as a team.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, February 4 | ONE SLEEP TILL GAME DAY
Yes, you read the headline correctly!! We are less than 24 hours from puck drop here in Milan. With the excitement building around the city, the team took to the ice for its last practice before taking on Czechia in its opening game of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The practice lasted for 45 minutes with the team working on zone entries, special teams and faceoffs. The practice was on the game rink, with many media, from both the U.S. and other countries in attendance to watch.
The rink Team USA will be playing at tomorrow is called Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Located northwest of central Milan, the organizing committee converted a convention center into a hockey arena. A unique setup, the team’s permanent locker rooms are all located in a long corridor behind the rink, with teams actively playing moving to specific locker rooms right off the ice, called ‘game day locker rooms’ for the duration of the game they’re skating in. In the convention hall directly across from the hockey arena, is the speed skating oval, so fans can cheer Team USA on to victory in two sports, just steps away from each other.
INTERVIEW TIME
One of the many exciting parts about the Olympics include the cool off ice opportunities players get to experience during the Games, including media interviews. Laila Edwards sat down with Shaquille Brewster of TODAY to talk about all things Olympic preparation, her family traveling to Italy to support Team USA and her Cleveland roots. Next, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Taylor Heise and Caroline Harvey sat down with Anne Thompson for a fun story about how Olympic veterans and rookies alike can learn from each other at the Games. Both stories are coming to a TV near you very soon!
TEAM USA PLAYLIST
Want to jam out like Team USA? Check out the video below to see what song members of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team are adding to their playlists.
GUESS WHO?!
Did you guess Taylor Heise in yesterday’s ‘Guess Who?’? If so, you are correct!
TUNE IN TO SUPPORT TEAM USA
With games dropping the puck tomorrow, be sure to tune in and support Team USA! Full schedule and broadcast info below.
Olympic Women's Game Schedule
All games stream live on Peacock; USA Network televising preliminary round games with playoff round TBD
Home Team Listed First
| Date | Game | Time (Local/ET)/Result | Location | Broadcast / Result | Game Notes | Line Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurs., Feb. 5 | USA-Czechia Preliminary |
W, 5-1 | Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena | USA Network | Game Notes | Lines |
| Sat., Feb. 7 | USA-Finland Preliminary |
W, 5-0 | Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena | USA Network | Game Notes | Lines |
| Mon., Feb. 9 | Switzerland-USA Preliminary |
W, 5-0 | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | USA Network | Game Notes | Lines |
| Tues., Feb. 10 | Canada-USA Preliminary |
8:10 PM/2:10 PM | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | USA Network | Game Notes | |
| Fri., Feb. 13 | TBD Quarterfinal |
9:10 PM/3:10 PM | Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena | TBD | ||
| Mon., Feb. 16 | TBD Semifinal |
4:40 PM/10:40 AM | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | TBD | ||
| Thurs., Feb. 19 | TBD Bronze-Medal Game |
2:40 PM/8:40 AM | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | TBD | ||
| TBD Gold-Medal Game |
7:10 PM/1:10 PM | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | TBD |
Tuesday, February 3 | Lights, Camera, Action
Today was the most fun day of the tournament for players and staff alike…team photo day! Prior to practice, players donned the official Olympic jersey for the first time ever to have their official Olympic headshot taken, before congregating on the ice for the team photo. Players and staff were arranged in their spots before a bunch of shots were snapped. Always a sharp looking group, check out the official team photo below!
After the photo players stayed out for a few extra minutes to take group photos and film TikToks in their new threads. Many players also had their cameras out on the ice to capture the moment themselves with Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy with their digital cameras and Cayla Barnes with her DJI pocket camera.
PRESENTING THE OFFICIAL 2026 U.S. OLYMPIC WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM
KNIGHT NAMED CAPTAIN OF 2026 U.S. OLYMPIC WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM
MILAN – Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho/Seattle Torrent) has been named captain of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team it was announced today by USA Hockey.
Knight, who is competing in her fifth Olympics, has served as captain for the U.S. since the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship. She will be the first U.S. hockey player ever to compete in five Olympic Winter Games.
Joining Knight on the leadership team as alternate captains are forward Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass./Seattle Torrent) and defender Megan Keller (Farmington Hills, Mich./Boston Fleet).
TEAM USA ALUM MOLLY SCHAUS CARRIES OLYMPIC TORCH
The Olympic Torch Relay has some Team USA flair today, with two-time Olympic medalist Molly Schaus carrying the Olympic flame through the town of Merate, a small village 40 minutes north of Milan.
Schaus, who currently works for LA28 in sport planning and development, was a member of the 2010 and 2014 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Teams, winning silver in Vancouver and Sochi. Additionally, she won four golds (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015) and one silver (2012) at the IIHF Women's World Championship.
In the final stages of the relay, the flame is slated to arrive in Milan on Feb. 6, in time for the Opening Ceremonies.
GUESS WHO?
Try to guess who this first-time Olympian is?
A forward who grew up in Minnesota, she first got into hockey after the Minnesota Wild started a youth hockey program in her town of Lake City, Minnesota.
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Monday, February 2 | Exploring Milan
Today was an overcast and rainy day here in Milan, and with the team’s morning practice cancelled to give the players some rest, everyone used the day to explore the city and get ready for the next few days as it all ramps up.
DUOMO ADVENTURES
One of the most famous sites in all of Milan is the Duomo – a gothic-style cathedral that towers over 300 ft in the air, it sits as one of the must-see stops when in Milan. With the afternoon free, many players went over to the Duomo to check it out. Built in 1386, the Duomo’s outside has spires, statues and breathtakingly detailed stonework, while inside, the church has sprawling floor to ceiling stained glass windows that makes jaws drop.
Part of the experience is walking up the steps to the roof of the cathedral to see sweeping views of Milan and see the intricate details of the building. A couple hundred steps up, Abbey Murphy, Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, Joy Dunne, Cayla Barnes and Lee Stecklein took a trip to the roof, while a few others opted for sandwiches at the famous All'Antico Vinaio.
ABOUT MILAN
With the Games set to open in just a few days, learn more about the city that Team USA will call home for the next few weeks.
- Milan is located in Northern Italy and is the capital of the Lombardy region.
- Milan is the second-largest city in Italy, to Rome, with approximately 1.37 million residents. That is a similar population to Dallas, Texas.
- Italy last hosted an Olympic Winter Games in 2006, when Torino welcomed the world.
- Milan is often dubbed the ‘Fashion Capital of the World’ and home to countless high fashion brands.
MEET TINA AND MILO
At every Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Organizing Committee creates two mascots that represent the host cities and the communities that are welcoming the world with open arms. The official Mascots of Milano Cortina 2026 are two stoats named Tina and Milo. The lighter-colored stoat represents the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, while her younger brother Milo, with his darker fur, is the face of the Paralympic Winter Games. Their names are inspired by the host cities: Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milo from Milano.
AT THE OLYMPICS WITH...HANNAH BILKA
What Does It Mean To Represent Team USA In Milan? “It’s the highest honor you can achieve in our sport. To represent our country on the international stage is not something I’m going to take for granted. To wear the jersey every day at this tournament is something I’m very proud of.”
What Are You Most Looking Forward To In Milan? “Honestly, I’m looking forward to the coffee. I want to try the espresso and all the different foods in Italy.”
What Is Your Favorite Olympic Memory? “I remember falling in love with the Olympics in 2014. It was one of my first times watching the women’s hockey games. That whole tournament made me see the dream.”
What Other Sport Would You Love To See In Milan? “I would love to watch snowboarding or skiing, but I know we’re pretty far from where those are taking place.”
What Other Olympic Sport Do You Think You’d Be Good At? “I think I’d be a sick freestyle skier.”
Window or Aisle Seat? “Window.”
One Travel Essential? “My Apple Max headphones.”
Favorite Vacation Destination? “Costa Rica.”
Pregame Skate or Pregame Nap? “Both.”
White Tape or Black Tape? “White tape.”
Bubble or Cage? “Cage.”
GUESS WHO?
Did you guess Cayla Barnes in yesterday’s ‘Guess Who?’? If so, you are correct!
Sunday, February 1 | Welcome To The Olympic Village
Today started off for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team with breakfast in the Olympic Village, before boarding the team bus and taking the 35-minute drive to the rink for the second practice of the Games. With another day in Milan under their belt, practice was energized and exciting as players start to adjust to the time change from the United States.
WELCOME TO THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE
Located in the Porta Romana neighborhood, the Milan Olympic Village is hosting almost 1,300 athletes from around the world as they compete at the Games. The Village has everything an athlete might need while they are competing – from a full-service cafeteria to a coffee cart, from a gym to an official Milano Cortina apparel shop, it’s a one-stop shopping.
Additionally, sponsor and supporters have activations around the Village with fun things for players to do. One provided Parmigiano Reggiano samples, another had a gaming setup for athletes to play video games and the coolest one, an AI robot that you can swap Olympic pins with. For those who don’t know, Olympic pins are a big deal – with athletes trading pins from their country.
Team USA is housed in one building, taking up a few floors in the multistory building. There are single and double rooms, which all have beds, dressers, closets, a refrigerator and microwave and full bathroom. Floors have a common gym space to get a workout in, along with meeting/administrative rooms.
In the middle of the Village, is the Olympic ring statue. A rite of passage, athletes take photos around the rings at all hours of the day, celebrating their accomplishment of making the Olympics.
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GUESS WHO?
Take a guess who this young defender is!
A hint: this California native made her first Olympic team at age 18 back in 2018. Now on her third Olympic Games, she plays her professional hockey in Seattle for the Torrent.
Tune in tomorrow to see if you guessed correctly!
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Saturday, January 31 | Finally In Milan
The day has finally arrived, the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team has landed in Milan! Players and staff all met at JFK International Airport in from all over the U.S. and Canada, beginning the journey as a group. They boarded the 7.5-hour flight to Milan, leaving at 7:55 p.m. on the 29th and landing at Malpensa Airport at 9:30 a.m. on the 30th.
TEAM USA WELCOME EXPERIENCE
After going through customs, collecting their bags and activating their accreditation, the team walked over to the Sheraton Malpensa to go through the Team USA Welcome Experience. TUWE, for short, is where it all becomes official. Players get outfitted by Nike, Ralph Lauren and a host of other Team USA sponsors in their Olympic gear.
The team was welcomed to TUWE by United States Olympic and Paralympic staff, before being shown a video with heartfelt messages from friends and family. They were then split into three groups, rotating through the stations trying on and selecting their favorite fits. For first-timers and fifth-timers alike, it never gets old.
Fun fact, athletes get their kits tailored to fit them perfectly. After trying on their outfits like the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and Medal Stand fits, tailors will pull and pin the garments to send off to the alterations room. A slew of expert tailors are on site, turning around the alterations for Team USA in 24-48 hours.
WHAT SEAT YA GOT?!?
@USAHockey celebrated the travel day by asking the most important question of the day, which seatmates are you choosing to sit next to on the flight to Milan?
FIRST PRACTICE
After a long travel day, on the 30th, the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team woke up on Saturday ready for their first full day in Milan. After grabbing breakfast in the village, the team took a 35-minute bus ride to the Milano Rho Arena, or MH2 as it’s called, where they’ll be based out of for some games and practices.
After getting settled into their new digs, they hit the ice for a quick hour-long practice, getting legs going before working on special teams. Players and coaches agreed, after a long journey to get to Milan, it was nice to finally be on Olympic ice.
