Winter Olympics 2026 live updates McMorris snowboarding and Canada vs Czechia

The excitement of the Winter Olympics is palpable as athletes from around the globe gather to compete in one of the most prestigious sporting events. With thrilling competitions and compelling stories unfolding daily, there's no better time to dive into the latest updates from the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.

From the fierce battles on the ice to the breathtaking displays on the slopes, the Olympic spirit is alive and well. Let's explore the key happenings that are shaping this year's Winter Olympics.

Canada's quest for hockey gold against Czechia

In a highly anticipated matchup, Team Canada is set to face Czechia in the quarterfinals of the men’s hockey tournament. As the top seed, Canada earned a bye, positioning themselves favorably for a strong run toward the gold medal.

The Canadian team displayed remarkable prowess in their initial matches, achieving a decisive 5-0 victory over the Czechs and finishing their group stage undefeated with a staggering goal differential of +17, scoring 20 goals while only conceding 3.

However, the team is facing some challenges as star players Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett missed practice ahead of the knockout round, leading to speculations about their readiness for the crucial match.

Mark McMorris aims for fourth consecutive slopestyle medal

Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris is on the brink of making history as he competes in the men’s snowboard slopestyle final. The 32-year-old from Regina is striving for his fourth consecutive Olympic medal in this event.

Despite a serious training accident just weeks prior, which left him with a concussion and other injuries, McMorris not only qualified but finished third in the qualifiers, showcasing his resilience and exceptional talent.

His previous performances have earned him bronze medals in the last three Winter Olympics, and he is determined to add to that legacy this year.

Women's slopestyle final features Canadian talents

In the women's snowboard slopestyle final, Canadian athletes Laurie Blouin and Juliette Pelchat are prepared to showcase their skills after the event was rescheduled due to weather-related delays.

Blouin, who previously earned a silver medal in the 2018 Olympics, is chasing another podium finish. Meanwhile, Pelchat is making her Olympic debut, adding an element of excitement to the competition. Both athletes are eager to demonstrate their capabilities on the global stage.

Courtney Sarault seeks her fourth Olympic medal

Speedskater Courtney Sarault from Moncton is also in pursuit of her fourth Olympic medal. Leading the Canadian team in the women’s 3,000-meter short-track speedskating relay final, Sarault has already made a significant impact in her previous events.

Alongside teammates Kim Boutin, Florence Brunelle, and Danae Blais, Sarault's team finished just behind South Korea in the semifinals, setting the stage for an intense final race featuring strong contenders, including Italy and the Netherlands.

Today's Olympic schedule and event start times

The Olympic schedule is bustling with activities, providing fans with numerous thrilling events to watch. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect today:

• 3:45 a.m. ET - Cross-country women’s freestyle team sprint qualifying (Canada competing)
• 4:00 a.m. ET - Alpine skiing women’s slalom qualifying (featuring Laurence St-Germain)
• 4:15 a.m. ET - Cross-country men’s freestyle team sprint (Canada competing)
• 10:40 a.m. ET - Canada vs. Czechia men’s hockey quarterfinal

In addition to these events, several medal competitions will take place:

• 5:20 a.m. ET - Snowboard men’s slopestyle (with Canadian athletes Mark McMorris and Cameron Spalding)
• 5:45 a.m. ET - Cross-country women’s freestyle team sprint
• 8:30 a.m. ET - Snowboard women’s slopestyle (featuring Juliette Pelchat and Laurie Blouin)
• 2:51 p.m. ET - Short-track women’s 3,000m relay (Canada competing)

Where to watch the Olympics in Canada

For viewers in Canada, the official broadcaster for the Winter Olympics is CBC. Fans can catch the action through their TV provider or stream it for free via the CBC Gem app. This makes it accessible for many to follow their favorite athletes and events live.

Your guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in Milan and Cortina, promises to deliver a captivating sporting experience. This year’s Games are significant not only for the high level of competition but also for the debut of new events like ski mountaineering, expanding the Olympic landscape.

The Games are set against a backdrop of unique challenges, including geopolitical tensions and logistical hurdles. Nonetheless, athletes from around the world are ready to compete, and the event is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in Olympic history.

Ask your Olympics questions

The enthusiasm surrounding the Olympics invites fans to engage and inquire about various aspects of the Games. Whether it’s about the performances of Canadian athletes or the atmosphere in Italy, questions are welcome. The Globe's journalists on the ground are eager to provide insights and updates from the heart of the action.