The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics’ early events continue today before Friday's opening ceremony. Curling began the action yesterday and continues today, with wins for the U.S., Canada, hosts Italy and Britain.

One of the most anticipated sports at every Winter Olympics is ice hockey. Women's hockey, in particular, comes into the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with surging momentum thanks to the popularity of the Professional Women's Hockey League following its launch in 2023.

Along with Canada, Team USA is one of just two countries that have won gold in women's ice hockey since the event was added to the Olympics in 1998. The Americans won that inaugural year in Nagano, then endured four straight Canadian victories until 2018, when Team USA struck back with a dramatic overtime win to capture gold in Pyeongchang.

Laila Edwards made history as the first Black woman to play for Team USA in Olympic ice hockey, aiding in a 5-1 win over Czechia.

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics continue on Thursday with ice hockey, curling, snowboarding and more. Follow along for live updates.

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where hockey and snowboarding events will open ahead of the opening ceremony.

The puck has dropped on the first game at the Milan Cortina Olympics in the newly built hockey arena that needed a rush to the eleventh hour to finish.

Here's what to know about Thursday's slate of women's ice hockey games at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, including how to watch information.

“It’s been a great run,” Eruzione said. “And it’s going to continue.”

MILAN (AP) — The main ice hockey arena for the Winter Olympics is finally ready. Although the NHL players might feel as if they’re skating on a lake. Construction delays and other concerns about the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena have drawn headlines for months ahead of the NHL returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014 and the women’s tournament opening on Thursday.