As the excitement builds for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026, Canadian audiences are keen to know what to expect from the packed schedule on Friday, February 13. With a diverse range of sports on offer, particularly in curling and hockey, fans are gearing up to cheer for their national athletes as they compete against the world’s best.
A Day Full of Action
The day kicks off at midnight with the Olympic Winter Games Pacific Prime and continues through the early hours, featuring a series of high-stakes curling matches. Canada’s men’s curling team will be pitted against the USA, a rivalry that never fails to deliver excitement. Other notable curling fixtures include Great Britain facing Italy and China squaring off against Norway. The action continues with Switzerland taking on Czechia, ensuring that fans of this strategic sport have plenty to look forward to.
As dawn breaks, snowboard enthusiasts will be treated to the Women’s Snowboard Cross Qualification at 3:50 a.m. This event marks a crucial step for athletes aiming to secure their spot in the finals, with Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris among the medal hopefuls following a challenging training session.
Hockey Highlights
The ice hockey schedule is equally thrilling. The preliminary rounds will feature Italy taking on Slovakia and a much-anticipated match between Finland and Sweden, a classic Nordic rivalry that often captivates viewers. For those seeking a unique commentary experience, there will be an Inuktitut commentary option available for the Finland vs. Sweden game, reflecting Canada’s commitment to inclusivity.
Later in the morning, the action continues with pivotal curling matches for the women’s teams, showcasing Denmark versus Sweden and the USA versus Canada. As the day progresses, the men’s hockey team will face Switzerland, further elevating the stakes for Team Canada as they pursue Olympic glory.
Afternoon and Evening Showdowns
The afternoon session is set to be equally engaging, featuring the men’s 10,000m speed skating final and the women’s curling matches, including China against Switzerland. The excitement builds as the day transitions into the evening, where the women’s hockey quarterfinals will take centre stage, alongside the Canadian men’s team as they take on Switzerland in another preliminary round.
At 7 p.m., viewers can tune in for the RBC Olympic Winter Games Primetime, which promises highlights and analysis of the day’s events, ensuring fans are up-to-date with all the latest developments from the Games.
Why it Matters
The Milano-Cortina Olympics represent not just a stage for athletic excellence but also an opportunity for Canada to showcase its rich sporting heritage. With a focus on events like curling and hockey—sports where Canada traditionally excels—these Games are poised to galvanize national pride and inspire the next generation of athletes. For fans and participants alike, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be a celebration of resilience, sportsmanship, and the unifying power of sport on a global stage.
