The nine-time Olympic champions from the Canada men’s national ice hockey team began their campaign at the 2026 Winter Olympics in commanding fashion, defeating the Czechia men’s national ice hockey team 5–0 in a Group A matchup on Thursday evening (12 February) at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Powered by National Hockey League superstars Connor McDavid, who recorded three assists, and Sidney Crosby, who added two helpers, Canada delivered an early statement performance in Olympic competition. Goaltender Jordan Binnington anchored the effort with a flawless performance in net, stopping all 26 shots he faced to secure the shutout.
The matchup renewed an Olympic rivalry dating back to the 2018 bronze medal game, when Canada claimed the podium finish against Czechia. Eight years later, the result again favored the Canadians.
Canada appeared to seize momentum early when Nathan MacKinnon found the back of the net, but a tripping penalty to Nick Suzuki nullified the goal, keeping the opening period tightly contested.
With just five seconds remaining in the first period, however, Canada broke through. Macklin Celebrini, the youngest NHL player ever to represent Canada in Olympic competition, scored his country’s first goal of the tournament. Defenseman Cale Makar and McDavid assisted on the play, each recording their first Olympic points.
Canada extended its lead midway through the second period when Mark Stone beat Czech goaltender Lukáš Dostál to make it 2–0. Mitch Marner and Crosby collected assists on the veteran-driven scoring sequence.
Less than three minutes before the second intermission, Bo Horvat pushed the lead to 3–0. Brad Marchand set up the play after receiving a pass from defenseman Thomas Harley, whose strong two-way performance helped control the pace of the game.
Canada’s star power was on full display in the third period during a power play sequence involving Crosby, McDavid, and MacKinnon that showcased the team’s offensive chemistry. Suzuki later capped the scoring at 53:22, finishing another McDavid setup with Harley earning his second assist of the night.
The convincing victory gives Canada early momentum in group play as the tournament continues, reinforcing why the hockey powerhouse remains a perennial Olympic gold-medal contender.
