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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport

NHL stars to return to Olympic ice in 2026 after 12-year absence

The NHLPA, NHL and IIHF announced the finalization of a landmark agreement in the presence of the IOC on Wednesday in Zurich.
The NHLPA, NHL and IIHF announced the finalization of a landmark agreement in the presence of the IOC on Wednesday in Zurich. Photograph: NHLPA

For the first time in more than a decade, the world’s best hockey players will take center stage at the Olympic Games.

The National Hockey League (NHL), NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) have finalized a long-awaited agreement confirming NHL players will participate in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, ending a 12-year Olympic absence and setting the stage for a renewed era of best-on-best international competition.

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