Team USA Eyes Historic Sixth Paralympic Gold in Para Ice Hockey at Milano Cortina 2026
Milan, Italy – The United States will aim to continue its dominance in Para ice hockey at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, seeking a sixth overall and fifth consecutive gold medal. The tournament, featuring eight nations, is scheduled to take place from March 7-15 at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Alongside the reigning champions, Canada, China, and Japan have all previously claimed Paralympic medals in the sport. Czechia, Germany, Italy, and Slovakia will be competing for their first podium finish. The USA defeated Canada 5-0 in the gold medal game at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, while China took bronze over South Korea.
Para ice hockey debuted at the Paralympic Winter Games in Lillehammer 1994, with Sweden claiming the inaugural gold. Four nations – the United States, Canada, China, and Japan – have reached the top of the podium since the sport’s inception.
Team USA Eyes Historic Fifth Straight Paralympic Sled Hockey Title at Milano Cortina 2026
The quest for Paralympic gold in Para ice hockey is officially underway, with the schedule revealed for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
Dominance on Display: A Look Back at Paralympic History
Para ice hockey debuted at the Paralympic Winter Games in Lillehammer 1994, and since then, four nations have risen to claim the top spot.
Although, the 21st century has largely been defined by American dominance.
Team USA will enter the 2026 Games aiming to secure their fifth consecutive and sixth overall title, a testament to their sustained excellence in the sport.
Championship Pedigree: Past Victories Fuel Future Ambitions
The United States has consistently proven its mettle on the Paralympic stage, securing gold medals in 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018, and most recently, 2022.
the team boasts a remarkable Paralympic medal record, having reached the podium in six of their seven appearances, including a bronze medal in 2006.
Beyond the US: Contenders and Rising Stars
Even as the U.S. Has been the team to beat, other nations are eager to challenge their reign.
Canada, China, and Japan have all previously secured Paralympic medals in Para ice hockey, bringing a wealth of experience and competitive spirit to the ice.
Czechia, Germany, Italy, and Slovakia will be looking to make their mark and secure their first-ever podium finish at the Milano Cortina Games.
Milano 2026 Tournament Structure
Eight teams will compete in the tournament, divided into two groups for the preliminary round.
The U.S. Will face tough competition in Group A, alongside China, Germany, and the host nation, Italy.
Group B will feature Canada, Czechia, Japan, and Slovakia.
Following a round-robin preliminary round, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on March 13, culminating in the medal round on March 15.
Coaching Continuity: Hoff and Gorder Lead Team USA
David Hoff, who successfully led the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey team to gold at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, will reprise his role as head coach.
Assistant coach Corey Gorder will also return, bringing his expertise and experience to the team.
Both Hoff and Gorder have a proven track record of success, having also guided Team USA to World Para Ice Hockey Championship gold medals in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
Did you recognize?
Sweden won the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games gold medal in Para ice hockey at Lillehammer 1994, defeating Norway in overtime.
U.S. Paralympic Schedule – Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
- March 7: USA vs. Italy (5:05 p.m. Local / 11:05 a.m. ET)
- March 9: USA vs. Germany (5:05 p.m. Local / 11:05 a.m. ET)
- March 10: USA vs. China (1:35 p.m. Local / 7:35 a.m. ET)
- March 12: USA vs. TBD (Playoff Round – 2:35 p.m. Local / 8:35 a.m. ET)
- March 12: USA vs. TBD (Playoff Round – 7:05 p.m. Local / 1:05 p.m. ET)
- March 13: USA vs. TBD (Semifinal – 2:35 p.m. Local / 8:35 a.m. ET)
- March 13: USA vs. TBD (Semifinal – 7:05 p.m. Local / 1:05 p.m. ET)
- March 14: USA vs. TBD (Seventh-Place Game – 12:05 p.m. Local / 6:05 a.m. ET)
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the Group A matchups, as the U.S., Italy, Germany, and China are expected to deliver some of the most competitive games of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where will the Para ice hockey tournament take place? The tournament will be held from March 7-15, 2026, at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.
- How many teams will compete in the tournament? Eight teams will compete, divided into two groups of four.
- What is Team USA’s track record in Paralympic Para ice hockey? The U.S. Is the four-time defending champion and has medaled in six of its seven Paralympic appearances.
- Who are the head and assistant coaches for Team USA? David Hoff is the head coach, and Corey Gorder is the assistant coach.
Don’t miss the action as Team USA strives for a historic fifth consecutive Paralympic gold medal in Para ice hockey! Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.