Italy and Slovakia face off in this Group B men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday.

Slovakia’s men’s national hockey team has featured consistent rosters through the years. The team has featured players such as Miroslav Satan, Peter Bondra, Zigmund Palffy, Marian Gaborik, Zdeno Chara,

Slovakia opened the 2026 Winter Olympics with a decisive 4–1 victory over defending champion Finland, powered by two goals from Juraj Slafkovský and a 38-save performance from Samuel Hlavaj.

Slovakia's captain Tomas Tatar has cautioned his team against underestimating host nation Italy in the upcoming Winter Olympics hockey clash. Following a strong win against Finland, Tatar stressed the need for unwavering focus and intensity.

As men's hockey got underway at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina on Wednesday, the Washington Capitals watched Martin Fehervary make his Olympic debut with Slovakia.

There are few events that foster a feeling of national pride more than the Olympics, but that desire to support one's nation led to a lapse in judgement from a wanted man in Italy.

Slovakia went 1-2 in group play but beat Germany 4-0 in the qualification round to advance to the quarterfinals, where they played the United States, coached by former Sharks bench boss David Quinn. Regenda assisted on a first-period goal by Slafkovsky before Slovakia scored late in the third period to tie the game.

The Slovakia men’s hockey team upset Finland 4-1 in Wednesday’s round robin opener at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. And thanks to the hockey game, a fugitive’s 16-year escape from authorities also came to an end.

A Slovakian hockey fan was arrested in Milan on a 16-year-old warrant and missed his team’s stunning 4-1 Olympic upset over Finland after allegedly committing thefts in 2010.