USA-Canada Olympic Hockey Final: A Ratings Bonanza and a Glimpse into the Future of International Hockey
Sunday’s gold medal hockey final between the United States and Canada is anticipated to be a major draw for NBC and Peacock, with viewership already nearly double that of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. The matchup, set for 8:10 a.m. ET, represents more than just a battle for gold; it’s a signpost indicating potential future trends in international hockey.
The Return of NHL Stars and its Impact
This year’s Olympic tournament marks the first time NHL players have participated since the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The presence of top NHL talent, like Connor McDavid for Canada and Dylan Larkin for the USA, has demonstrably boosted interest. The U.S. Advanced with a 6-2 win over Slovakia, fueled by goals from Larkin and Jack Hughes, while Canada rallied to defeat Finland 3-2. This return to full NHL participation is likely to become a permanent fixture of future Olympic hockey tournaments, driving up viewership and global engagement.
Record-Breaking Viewership and the Power of Rivalries
The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games averaged 21.4 million viewers, and the U.S.-Canada women’s hockey gold medal game set a novel record with 5.3 million viewers. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the USA-Canada rivalry, particularly in hockey. The last time the men’s teams met for Olympic gold was in 2010, a game watched by 27.6 million viewers in the U.S. And 16.6 million in Canada – nearly half of Canada’s population at the time. Such numbers underscore the marketing potential of these head-to-head clashes.
The Growing Popularity of International Hockey
The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, a precursor to the Olympic tournament, drew over 16 million viewers across North America, making it the most-watched NHL-sanctioned game in decades. This suggests a growing appetite for international hockey competitions, even outside of the Olympic cycle. The success of events like the 4 Nations Face-Off could lead to more frequent and prominent international tournaments, further expanding the sport’s global reach.
McDavid’s Record-Breaking Performance and the Rise of Individual Stars
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has set a record for most points in a single Winter Olympics during the NHL era, with 13 points so far. This highlights the increasing focus on individual star power in attracting fans to the sport. Marketing campaigns are likely to increasingly center around recognizable NHL players, leveraging their existing fan bases to promote international competitions.
Olympic Showdown Details
What: Olympics men’s hockey final between United States vs. Canada
When: Sunday, 8:10 a.m. ET
Where: Santagiulia Arena, Milan, Italy
TV: NBC and streaming on Peacock
FAQ
Q: When is the USA vs. Canada men’s hockey final?
A: Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET.
Q: Where can I watch the game?
A: NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Q: What was the viewership for the women’s gold medal game?
A: 5.3 million viewers.
Q: Is this the first time NHL players have participated in the Olympics since 2014?
A: Yes, this is the first Olympic tournament with NHL players since Sochi 2014.
Did you know? Farmington Hills’ Megan Keller scored the winning goal in overtime for the U.S. Women’s team, defeating Canada 2-1.
Don’t miss the action! Share your predictions for the gold medal game in the comments below and explore more Olympic coverage on our website.
