New Attendance Record Set

The opening Para ice hockey match at the Milan Cortina Winter Games established a new attendance record for the sport at a major tournament. The preliminary round game between the United States and Italy attracted 8,992 spectators on Saturday night.

This surpassed the previous Paralympic record of 8,462 fans, set at the gold medal match during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and exceeded the attendance of 8,600 at the 2019 World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Czechia.

Organizers Celebrate Milestone

Andrea Varnier, CEO of the local organizing committee, expressed pride in the achievement. This attendance record is a great source of pride for Milano-Cortina 2026 and for the entire Paralympic movement, Varnier stated on Sunday. The energy and engagement we are experiencing across our venues demonstrate just how powerful and inspiring Paralympic sports can be.

Seeing nearly nine thousand people in the stands for a Para ice hockey game is a tangible sign of the Games’ lasting legacy, while celebrating talent, determination and team spirit.

U.S. Dominates Despite Italian Challenge

Italy briefly led early in the game, taking a lead just 25 seconds into the match. However, the United States, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Paralympic gold medal, ultimately won the game 14-1.

Seeing that that was the first one that was scheduled, I thought it was really cool just because coming out of the COVID Paralympics in Beijing and not a lot of people, I figured it was going to be a lot fun in Italy, said U.S. Coach David Hoff.

David Hoff, U.S. Para Ice Hockey Coach

Hoff added, It certainly was a great environment today, really a fun start for us today in an atmosphere like this. In sled hockey you don’t get this, with a packed house like this tonight and people out there, you know, the crowd, the cheering and everything like that. That’s cool for these guys too to play in that environment.

Tournament Overview

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Para ice hockey competition runs from March 7th to March 15th. Eight teams are competing, divided into two preliminary-round groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

FAQ

What is Para ice hockey?

Para ice hockey, also known as sled hockey, is an adaptation of ice hockey played by athletes with physical disabilities affecting their lower bodies.

Where are the Para ice hockey games being held?

All games are being played at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.

How many teams are competing in the Para ice hockey tournament?

Eight teams are competing in the tournament.