For a little while, it was uncertain that National Hockey League (NHL) players would head to the 2026 Olympics in Milan, Italy as arena construction delays raised major concerns. While that crisis was averted, a new one is potentially arising:
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Earlier this morning (Feb. 5), the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced that today’s Finland vs. Canada game in the Women’s Hockey tournament would be postponed and rescheduled for Feb. 12 “after cases of norovirus were identified within Team Finland. It was made collectively and in accordance with established health and safety principles, with the health and wellbeing of players, team staff, officials and all tournament participants as the highest priority.”
This has raised some alarm bells as to whether this could end up having an impact on other matchups, or even the men’s side of the tournament, which begins on Feb. 11. TSN insider Darren Dreger reported that NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly is monitoring the situation: “We are obviously aware of the situation and will respond as necessary to protect the health of our athletes,” said Daly.
Thankfully, at this point in time, it appears to be an issue exclusive to Team Finland’s women’s squad. A Finnish Ice Hockey Association spokesperson told The Associated Press that 13 players had either been infected or placed in quarantine.
The other three contests today went on as planned: Sweden defeated Germany, Italy defeated France, and Team USA took down Czechia.
The Men’s tournament will kick off on the 11th with a 10:40 AM EST contest between Slovakia and Finland.
Stay tuned to The Hockey Writers for any related updates.
