Winter Olympics Day 8: Skiing & Hockey Highlights

The second weekend of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina is set to be action-packed, with a full slate of events across multiple disciplines. From skiing to hockey and speedskating, athletes will compete for gold, and viewers will have plenty to watch as the Games continue.

A Packed Schedule for Saturday

Saturday’s events are heavily focused on skiing, with medal opportunities in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, moguls, and biathlon. Ice hockey will also take center stage, as the Canadian women’s team faces Germany in the quarterfinals. Finland and Switzerland will also compete in a women’s quarterfinal match. The men’s hockey tournament continues with preliminary games, and speedskating will feature both team and individual competitions.

Team USA’s Opportunities

While Team USA isn’t considered a frontrunner in many events, they have a strong chance in women’s dual moguls, having already secured gold and silver in the individual competition. The Americans, Elizabeth Lemley and Jaelin Kauf, are favourites to continue their success in this event.

Did You Know? Canada’s female curlers achieved a historic first on Friday, securing their nation’s first-ever win over Canada in the event.

Key Events to Watch

Alpine Skiing: Men’s Giant Slalom

The men’s giant slalom is scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. ET, with the second run at 7:30 a.m. ET. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, the world No. 1, is a strong contender, having won gold in this event in Beijing and recently securing a bronze in super-G and a silver in team combined. Austria’s Raphael Haaser, the reigning world champion, will also be one to watch.

Ice Hockey: Canada vs. Germany (Women’s Quarterfinals)

Canada, the defending gold medalist, will face Germany in the women’s quarterfinals at 10:40 a.m. ET. Canada recently defeated Finland 5-0, led by Emily Clark’s two goals, while Germany has remained undefeated since an initial loss to Sweden.

Ice Hockey: Finland vs. Switzerland (Women’s Quarterfinals)

Finland and Switzerland will compete in the women’s quarterfinals at 3:10 p.m. ET. Finland is coming off a loss to Canada, while Switzerland has not won since its opening game against the Czech Republic.

Ice Hockey: U.S. Vs. Denmark (Men’s Prelims)

The U.S. Men’s team will face Denmark at 3:10 p.m. ET. This match occurs amidst geopolitical considerations involving President Donald Trump’s interests in Greenland. The U.S. Is expected to win against Denmark, who opened their Olympics with a loss to Germany.

Expert Insight: The U.S. Men’s hockey team’s matchup against Denmark is notable not only for the competition itself but also for the broader geopolitical context surrounding Greenland, adding an unusual layer to the sporting event.

Freestyle Skiing: Women’s Dual Moguls

The women’s dual moguls competition begins at 4:30 a.m. ET. Americans Elizabeth Lemley and Jaelin Kauf are favored to win, having already claimed gold and silver in individual moguls. France’s Perrine Laffont and Australia’s Jakara Anthony are also expected to be competitive.

Cross-Country Skiing: Women’s 4×7.5km Relay

The women’s 4×7.5km relay is scheduled for 6 a.m. ET. Sweden is the team to beat, having won the world championship in the relay and boasting strong individual performers like Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson. Norway and Finland are expected to be their closest rivals.

Biathlon: Women’s 7.5km Sprint

The women’s 7.5km sprint begins at 8:45 a.m. ET. France’s Julia Simon and Lou Jeanmonnot, along with teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, are top contenders. Swedish sisters Hanna and Elvira Öberg are also expected to be in contention.

Other Events

Additional events on Saturday include women’s team pursuit and men’s 500m in speedskating, short track speedskating with the men’s 1,500m and women’s 3,000m relay semifinals, men’s large hill individual ski jumping, women’s skeleton heats 3 and 4, and men’s and women’s round robin curling matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the men’s giant slalom begin?

The first run of the men’s giant slalom begins at 4 a.m. ET, with the second run at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Who is favored to win the women’s dual moguls?

Americans Elizabeth Lemley and Jaelin Kauf are favored to win the women’s dual moguls, having won gold and silver in the individual competition.

Which team is expected to dominate the women’s 4×7.5km relay?

Sweden is the team to beat in the women’s 4×7.5km relay, as they are the reigning world champions and have strong individual skiers like Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson.

With so many events taking place on Saturday, which competition are you most looking forward to watching and why?