Slovak ice hockey players will compete in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Olympic Games against the winner of the pre-round play-off match between Germany and France. It was definitely decided by the final match of the basic phase of the tournament, in which the USA representatives defeated Germany 5:1. The Slovaks won a direct promotion to the quarterfinals thanks to the first place in the basic B-group.
The sovereign winners of the “A” Canadians and the USA representatives, who did not lose a single point in the C-group, also directly advanced to the top eight. The position of the best team from the second places was taken by the Finns, who had six points in the “Slovak” B-group, as well as the Slovaks and Swedes, who took third place in it.
Czech Republic – Denmark, Sweden – Latvia and Switzerland – Italy are the other pairs of preliminary play-offs. The winner of the match between the Czech Republic and Denmark will meet Canada in the quarter-finals. The more successful of the duel Sweden – Latvia will face the USA. The winner of the Switzerland – Italy match awaits the Finns. The eight-final matches are scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, their exact times will be known on Monday. The quarter-final matches will take place on Wednesday.
