Along with Canada, Team USA is one of just two countries that have won gold in women's ice hockey since the event was added to the Olympics in 1998. The Americans won that inaugural year in Nagano, then endured four straight Canadian victories until 2018, when Team USA struck back with a dramatic overtime win to capture gold in Pyeongchang.

All the worries, strife and scrutiny that lingered around the construction of the main hockey arena for the Milan Cortina Olympics dissipated as the first game there into a celebration for the host country.

NHL players are back as Team USA aims for gold in men's hockey at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. Here's how to watch on NBC and Peacock.

The Russians would have fielded one of the most talented teams in the tournament

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where hockey and snowboarding events will open ahead of the opening ceremony.

The Canadian women have won gold at five of the last six Winter Olympics, but USA has all the momentum heading into the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.

The Winter Olympics opening ceremony isn't until tomorrow, but the host city of Milan is already running out of food.

What are the overtime rules for hockey at the Olympics? Here's a look at how they differ from what you're used to in the NHL.