Team Canada’s men’s hockey team opened its 2026 Olympics campaign with a 5–0 shutout victory over Czechia, powered by a lineup finally stacked with NHL stars after a 12-year Olympic absence.
For many superstars who emerged during the last decade, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, the return marked a long-awaited dream to grace the Olympic stage.
NHL players were absent in 2018 and 2022, denying McDavid and others the chance to represent their countries on the world’s biggest stage.
The 29-year-old made the most of his debut, centering Canada’s top forward line and leading all forwards with 18:04 of ice time. By the final horn, McDavid was tied for the tournament scoring lead with three assists.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
McDavid, who also registered six shots and a plus-2 rating, spoke about his debut after the win.
“It’s been a long time coming,” McDavid said. “It’s special to be here, special to be a part of this group. Just proud to represent my country.”
McDavid set up Canada’s first goal with just seconds remaining in the first period, then assisted on goals by Nathan MacKinnon and Nick Suzuki in the third.
“It was special to go out there and play and pull this jersey on,” McDavid said. “A pretty wild environment. Very, very cool to be a part of. Happy to get the first one under our belt.”
McDavid also caught attention by delivering a hard hit on Lukas Sedlak early in his Olympic debut.
“When guys pull their country’s jersey on, it’s a bolt of energy that goes through you,” McDavid said. “Just trying to contribute any way I can.”
Canada improved to 1–0–0–0 in Group A. They will face Switzerland next on Friday at 1:10 p.m. ET.