Milano Cortina 2026: Para Ice Hockey Competition Schedule Released
BY World Para Hockey Staff
The road to Paralympic gold is set. World Para Ice Hockey has announced the official competition schedule for Para ice hockey at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The eight-team tournament will take place from 7 to 15 March 2026 at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.
Eight national teams will be placed into two groups for the preliminary round before advancing to the playoff stage, where they will compete for Paralympic medal glory. With tickets now available through the Milano Cortina 2026 website, expectations are high for a historic tournament atmosphere.
Historic Rivalries Return to the Paralympic Stage
No rivalry in Para ice hockey draws more attention or carries more history than Canada versus the United States, a matchup that has defined the sport over the past decade. The United States enters Milan as the reigning Paralympic champions, while Canada returns determined after finishing second in the previous cycle. Their battles have shaped podium outcomes year after year, and Milan represents the latest chapter in this storied competition.
Beyond this headline matchup, Czechia versus China has quietly emerged as one of the sport’s most compelling rivalries. China surprised the world in 2022 with a bronze medal finish and has since continued to challenge for podium positions. Czechia counters with remarkable consistency, having secured three consecutive bronze medals at the World Championships and refusing to step off the podium throughout the last competitive cycle. Both nations have proven they are no longer outsiders; they are legitimate contenders.
Together, these four nations have controlled every medal position at the World Championships over the past four years. All will arrive in Milan with unfinished business and championship aspirations.
Competition Format and Key Dates
The tournament runs from March 7-15 2026 at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Eight teams will be divided into two groups (A and B), with each team playing three games in their group during the round-robin phase.
Points will be awarded as follows: three points for a regulation win, one point each for a regulation draw, and one additional point for an overtime or shootout victory. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, while teams ranked third and fourth will proceed to classification games for positions five through eight. Semifinal winners will compete in the gold medal game, with the losing semifinalists meeting in the bronze medal game.
Italy’s Home Ice Moment
While focus naturally centers on the global powerhouses, host nation Italy will bring its own energy and passionate home crowd to the competition. With Milan serving as the host city, athletes and fans alike will experience the pulse of a truly international winter Paralympic celebration. Fans can secure their seats through the Milano Cortina 2026 website, with full access to all tournament sessions.
With rivalries reignited, a venue prepared for spectacle, and medals on the line, Para ice hockey at Milano Cortina 2026 is set to deliver a tournament worthy of the sport’s legends.
Full Competition Schedule (All Times CET)
Saturday, 7 March 2026
10:05 – CZE vs JPN
13:35 – CHN vs GER
17:05 – USA vs ITA
20:35 – CAN vs SVK
Sunday, 8 March 2026
Rest day
Monday, 9 March 2026
10:05 – CHN vs ITA
13:35 – CZE vs SVK
17:05 – GER vs USA
20:35 – JPN vs CAN
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
10:05 – ITA vs GER
13:35 – USA vs CHN
17:05 – CAN cs CZE
20:35 – SVK vs JPN
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Rest day
Thursday, 12 March 2026
14:35 – Playoffs 1
19:05 – Playoffs 2
Friday, 13 March 2026
14:35 – Semi-final 1
19:05 – Semi-final 2
Saturday, 14 March 2026
12:05 – Rank 7
16:05 – Rank 5
Sunday, 15 March 2026
12:05 – Bronze medal game
16:05 – Gold medal game