Ice hockey made its Olympic debut at the 1920 Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium. The men’s tournament was a round-robin series of games, and medals were awarded based on points accumulated. The format changed in 1992, with the addition of playoffs and a medal round that included NHL players. Women’s ice hockey debuted at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, and the sport has grown to include both men’s and women’s 6-person teams.
One of the biggest upsets in Olympic history was the U.S. victory over the Soviet Union in the semifinal of the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. It’s known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The American team, led by coach Herb Brooks and goalie Mike Eruzione, were considered underdogs in the game, but the Americans pulled off a stunning 9-4 win that was a major sports and political event.
Today’s men’s and women’s Olympic ice hockey games are played on NHL-sized rinks, and the rules are the same as those used in the NHL. However, fighting is not allowed, and any player who fights will be ejected from the game. Video review and coaches’ challenges are also permitted, and the ice will be dotted with end zone dots just like in the NHL.
While the United States and Canada dominate the gold medal count, some other nations have become strong contenders for a medal. Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic have each won gold, while Canada won in 2002 at Salt Lake City and again in 2010 and 2014.