Edmonton Oilers fans witnessed a significant moment as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl made their first Olympic appearances at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Olympic men’s ice hockey tournament provided plenty of exciting moments on day two, highlighting the talents of these top international players.
McDavid led Team Canada to a commanding 5-0 victory over Czechia, recording three assists and setting up the opening goal alongside young linemate Macklin Celebrini. Meanwhile, Draisaitl represented Germany, carrying a family legacy onto the ice. He scored the first goal and assisted on the game-winner during Germany’s 3-1 win against Denmark.
Other results from the day included Switzerland’s 4-0 shutout over France and the United States’ 5-1 win against Latvia. Looking ahead, McDavid and the Canadian squad will face Switzerland, while Martin Marincin and Slovakia prepare to play host Italy. Additionally, David Tomasek and Yohann Auvitu will meet as Czechia takes on France.
Potential Return of Russia and Belarus to International Hockey
In a recent statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman indicated that the league intends to align its policies with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), especially regarding Russia and Belarus’s participation in future international events like the 2028 World Cup. Bettman emphasized,
“We will follow what the international community is doing in terms of athletics,”
and added,
“I don’t see any need for us to weigh in separately.”
This position follows comments made by IIHF president Luc Tardif during a press conference in Milan before the men’s ice hockey competition began. Tardif expressed a clear desire for the return of both Russia and Belarus to international play, saying,
“We want as soon as possible the Belarus and the Russians back.”
The two countries have been excluded from international tournaments since 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine. Their absence has affected events including the World Championships, World Under-18s, and the World Junior Hockey Championships. The NHL also excluded them from last winter’s inaugural 4 Nations Face-off, which featured only Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden.
Importance of Inclusion and What the Future Holds
The possible reinstatement of Russia and Belarus in international hockey competitions highlights ongoing tensions and hopes within the global hockey community. As the NHL Olympic hockey update unfolds, the decisions made will impact the sport’s competitive landscape and international relations within hockey.
For fans and players alike, the return of these nations could reinvigorate tournaments with renewed rivalries and increased talent. The NHL alongside the IIHF will continue to monitor global developments, indicating that their approach to the 2028 World Cup will closely reflect broader international consensus. The inclusion of Russia and Belarus could mark a significant turning point for international ice hockey after years of geopolitical conflict.
