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The anticipation for the 2026 Winter Olympics is palpable as the opening ceremony in northern Italy is set for February 6, with competitions beginning on February 4. As the days draw closer, Canadian sports enthusiasts have much to look forward to, especially in traditional favorites like hockey, curling, and figure skating.
Hockey: A fierce rivalry reignited
After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the National Hockey League (NHL) players are returning to the Olympic stage. This marks a significant reunion for fans who have missed witnessing their favorite stars compete for national glory. Prominent players such as Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon from Canada and Auston Matthews from the U.S. will bring their A-game as they aim for gold. Not to forget, seasoned captain Sidney Crosby will strive for his third Olympic gold medal.
Canada vs. USA: A classic showdown
The absence of Russian players, who have been banned from team events, may shift the balance of power in men’s hockey. Traditional contenders like Sweden and Finland have also shown signs of weakness, positioning the fierce rivalry between Canada and the United States at the forefront once again. Their most recent face-off during the 4 Nations Face-Off was electrifying, featuring physical play and a thrilling overtime goal by McDavid.
On the women’s side, the Canada-U.S. rivalry is just as heated. Having faced each other in six out of seven Olympic finals, the two teams are expected to clash once more for the gold medal. The Canadians are the defending Olympic champions, but the U.S. team is favored after a dominant performance in the Rivalry Series.
Curling: A quest for redemption
Canada has long been a powerhouse in the world of curling, yet it has not claimed a gold medal in Olympic men’s or women’s events since 2014. The spotlight will be on Rachel Homan, who, despite her impressive credentials, faced setbacks in previous Olympics. After failing to reach the playoffs in 2018, she turned her fortunes around, recently achieving back-to-back world titles.
Jacobs’ Olympic return
Brad Jacobs, who led Canada to gold in Sochi, is making a comeback with a refreshed team. His new teammates include Brett Gallant, who is also set to compete in the mixed event alongside his wife, Jocelyn Peterman. As they take to the ice, the Canadian curling community will be watching closely to see if they can reclaim their former glory.
Figure skating: Stars on the rise
In the world of figure skating, all eyes will be on the 21-year-old American prodigy, Ilia Malinin, known as the Quad God. With his exceptional skills that include landing multiple quadruple jumps, he has taken the skating world by storm and is a favorite to shine at the Olympics. His recent triumphs in the Grand Prix Final showcased his talent and solidified his status as a contender for Olympic gold.
Canadian pairs and ice dancers
While Canada did not secure a medal in the figure skating events at the previous Olympics, this time they boast promising pairs such as Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, who aim to channel their previous world-title success into Olympic achievement. Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier also seek to break the podium barrier after consistent performances at international championships.
Speed skating: New faces and old rivals
As the speed skating events approach, young athletes like Will Dandjinou are set to steal the spotlight. This 24-year-old rookie has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor in short track skating, winning numerous titles and medals in recent years. Alongside him, Courtney Sarault, the reigning women’s overall champion, continues to excel, having claimed multiple gold medals throughout the season.
Long track expectations
In long track events, the Canadian trio of Ivanie Blondin, Isabelle Weidemann, and Valérie Maltais returns with aspirations of defending their title in the team pursuit. Having achieved a gold medal and two silver finishes this season, they are ranked first on the World Cup tour and are primed for individual accolades as well.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promises to be an exhilarating affair with its unique blend of established sports and new events. As the world tunes in to witness athletic excellence, Canada’s athletes are ready to take on the challenge and compete for glory on the Olympic stage.