Friday at the men’s ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 was all about legacy. It was semifinal day. Canada faced Finland, while United States battled Slovakia. The stakes could not have been higher: win and move on to the gold medal game, lose and shift focus to bronze. All four teams entered ranked in the top four overall, proving that the tournament’s best had separated themselves at the perfect time. Finland were the only semifinalist that did not win their group, but that hardly made them underdogs. As the reigning Olympic champions, they were chasing a chance to defend their title and return to the gold medal game. Canada, meanwhile, were looking to reach their first Olympic gold medal game since 2014, a drought that feels long by their standards. The United States had something to prove as well. They were seeking their first trip to the gold medal game since 2010 and wanted to show they truly have what it takes to go all the way. Slovakia, already proud semifinalists, were chasing history: their first-ever appearance in a gold medal game. There was also an undercurrent of tension. Both favored teams, the United States and Canada, needed overtime to survive their quarterfinal matchups. Confidence was tested. Momentum felt fragile. Semifinal Friday would reveal who had truly regrouped.
The day opened with Canada taking on Finland. Canada had been perfect in the group stage, winning their group with an undefeated record. They survived a dramatic overtime win against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. Finland, who finished second in their group with one loss, earned their semifinal berth by defeating Switzerland. Finland struck first, scoring the only goal of the opening period to take a 1-0 lead into intermission. They doubled that advantage early in the second, putting Canada on their heels. Canada responded with a crucial power-play goal to cut the deficit to 2-1, but Finland still carried that slim edge into the third period. Midway through the final frame, Canada found the equalizer, setting up a tense finish. With under a minute remaining, Canada scored a controversial power-play goal that swung the game—and perhaps the tournament. The final horn sounded with Canada on top, 3-2. Canada advanced to the gold medal game, while Finland shifted to the bronze medal game, their title defense officially over.
The United States wasted no time asserting themselves against Slovakia, scoring less than five minutes into the game. They built a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period and showed no signs of slowing down. Three more goals in the second period turned the contest into a rout, as the Americans carried a commanding 5-0 lead into the third. They added one more for good measure. Slovakia managed two goals in the final period, but the damage had long been done. The final score was 6-2, United States. After a nerve-wracking overtime quarterfinal, the Americans delivered a statement win when it mattered most.
Importantly, no teams were eliminated on Friday. All four semifinalists remain in medal contention. The United States and Canada will battle for gold, while Finland and Slovakia will meet for bronze. Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Italy, Denmark, and Latvia remain eliminated.
Up next is a group-stage rematch for bronze between Slovakia and Finland on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:40 PM. Finland will not have the opportunity to defend their gold medal, ensuring that a new Olympic champion will be crowned on Sunday. Slovakia, the defending bronze medalists from 2022, will try to defend that hardware. Finland, with 19 Olympic medals in men’s ice hockey and their last bronze coming in 2014, will look to add to their storied legacy. Gold is set. Bronze is on the line. Rivalries are renewed. Championship weekend in Milano Cortina is officially here.
Zac Electrifly 
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