Huge upset in the first Olympic men’s hockey game in Milan!

The 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament got off to a sensational start in Milan, as Slovakia pulled off a shocking 4-1 victory over Finland, the defending gold medalists.

Dalibor Dvorsky put the Slovaks ahead 2-1 with 12:40 left in regulation, capitalizing on a clutch faceoff win and a rebound finish that left the Finnish netminder no chance. The arena erupted as Slovakia, considered heavy underdogs, suddenly looked poised to steal the game.

Just minutes later, on a power-play, the dynamic Slafkovsky extended Slovakia’s lead to 3-1 with a rocket of a shot, capping a brilliant sequence. He had already opened the scoring for the tournament in the first period and now notched his ninth goal in his eighth career Olympic appearance. He almost scored in the empty-net at the end of the third frame, but lost his stick and could not kick the puck in. His teammate Adam Ruzicka scored instead.

Goalie Samuel Hlavaj, who is a Minnesota Wild AHL netminder, was also sensational for Slovakia, stopping 38 of 39 shots.

The atmosphere in the arena matched the on-ice intensity, as Slovak fans celebrated each shift with unrelenting energy. The young Slovak squad showcased skill, composure, and opportunism, proving they are a team to watch throughout the tournament.

For Finland, the loss won’t be fatal, but it’s a tough wake-up call for the reigning champions. Confidence may take a hit, and the road only gets tougher as the competition intensifies in the coming days.

Slovakia’s performance sent a loud message: in Olympic hockey, no team can be taken lightly. If this opening game is any indication, fans are in for an exciting and unpredictable tournament.

What a way to open the men’s side of the tournament!