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.

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.

Juraj Slafkovsky scored twice to pick up where he left off four years ago as Slovakia pulled off an upset in the first men's hockey game of the Milan Cortina Olympics by beating Finland 4-1.

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.

The first shock of the 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey tournament occurred in the first group-stage game. Slovakia pulled off a 4-1 upset over Finland to change the dynamic in Group B. Sweden, the favorite to win Group B, beat host nation Italy, 5-2, in a game that was far more competitive than most people thought it would be.

Goaltender Samuel Hlavaj played the hero for Slovakia, delivering a sensational performance that powered his team to a 4-1 win.

San Jose Sharks forward Pavol Regenda would love his second trip to the Winter Olympic Games to go as well as his first. Regenda was part of a Slovakian team in 2022 that at first had modest expectations going into the Games in Beijing.

Who is Samuel Hlavaj? Here's what to know about the Slovakia men's hockey goaltender who set a country record for saves at the Winter Olympics.

The men’s tournament in Milan officially gets underway on Wednesday, as Finland opens up Group B play of the 2026 Winter Olympics against Slovakia.