MILAN — Team Czechia is set to face a formidable challenge as they begin their journey in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, drawing Team Canada for their first preliminary match at Santagiulia Arena on Thursday at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Czech forward Radek Faksa acknowledges the daunting matchup, stating, “Yeah, I know it’s probably the toughest start we could have, but it can be a little advantage for us as well.” This sentiment reflects the team’s resilience and readiness to seize the moment, as the first game offers an opportunity to catch the Canadians off-guard before they find their rhythm.
With a roster boasting 17 returning players from the gold-medal-winning team at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, Czechia brings experience and familiarity to the ice. Faksa highlighted their past teamwork, saying, “Most of our guys played together in the World Championship; they know each other a little bit more.” This continuity could provide Czechia an edge, especially considering Canada may take time to gel with new line combinations and defensive pairs.
While Czechia may not match Canada’s depth in talent, with their players accumulating 267 points in 547 NHL games this season, including David Pastrnak leading with 71 points, they remain competitive and hopeful. The early meeting with a powerhouse like Canada presents a unique chance for Czechia to make a strong statement and possibly pull off a surprising upset.
In a tournament filled with uncertainty and potential, Czechia understands the importance of capitalizing on this initial challenge and is poised to give their best effort on the global stage.