Canada has a chance at revenge against the United States to close out the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, and the men’s Olympic hockey tournament is the perfect way to end the event.
The Canadians always have massive expectations when it comes to their national sport. However, the added pressure of winning a Winter Olympics gold medal has mounted after the women’s hockey team lost to the U.S. this week.
Now, Canada politician Doug Ford has upped the ante for his Ontario province before the gold medal match. On Friday, Ford approved a special exception for Canadian to buy alcohol starting at 6 a.m. ET.
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This comes after the men’s Olympic hockey final is slated for 8:10 a.m. ET between the two North American foes. Both countries are hungry for the gold medal, especially following the drama in the women’s final.
“The entire country will be watching on Sunday morning as our men’s hockey team plays for Olympic gold. To help us all celebrate Team Canada, the province will be allowing bars and restaurants across the province to sell alcohol starting at 6:00 a.m. EST. Let’s all come together, support local businesses and cheer on Team Canada!” Ford shared with Canadians in a statement on social media.
Meanwhile, Canada has dealt with serious injuries heading into the gold medal game, including NHL legend Sidney Crosby. The Canadians still won their semifinal game, albeit in controversial fashion, without Crosby.
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Connor McDavid greets Mikael Granlund in a men’s ice hockey game during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
However, Team USA has hopes of winning its first Olympic hockey gold in the men’s event since the 1980 Lake Placid Games. The Americans have settled for silver medals in 2002 and 2010 with losses against Canada.
The U.S. has already set a record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics, but Team USA can add to that total on Sunday.
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