MILAN, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina enter their second week, all eyes turn to the U.S. men's hockey team on Friday, where they face a formidable challenge from Slovakia in the semifinals. Coming off a dramatic overtime victory against Sweden in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Team USA is one win away from a shot at gold, just a day after the American women clinched the top prize in their tournament. The matchup, set for 3:10 p.m. local time at the Mediolanum Forum, pits the third-seeded Americans against a Slovak squad that advanced with a convincing 6-2 domination of Germany earlier in the week.
Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks defenseman who netted the game-winning goal in overtime against Sweden, acknowledged the difficulty ahead. "Facing Slovakia in the next round is an extremely hard test," Hughes said, highlighting the Eastern European team's disciplined play and offensive firepower. Slovakia, ranked outside the top seeds but known for upsets in past Olympics, has relied on a balanced attack led by players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Tomas Tatar, both NHL veterans bringing international experience to the ice.
The U.S. men's journey to the semifinals has been anything but smooth. After topping the preliminary round with a perfect record, they stumbled in the quarterfinals, forcing extra time against a resilient Swedish side. Coach David Quinn emphasized the need for sharper execution, noting post-game that the team's depth will be crucial against Slovakia's physical style. According to ESPN reports, the Americans' power play, which converted twice against Sweden, could prove decisive if they draw penalties from the Slovaks, who have struggled defensively in high-pressure situations.
Beyond the rink, Friday's action spans multiple disciplines, showcasing American athletes vying for medals in snow and ice. In the men's freeski halfpipe final at the Cortina d'Ampezzo venue, Nick Goepper and Alex Ferreira represent Team USA's best hopes for gold. Goepper, a three-time Olympic medalist in slopestyle with two silvers and a bronze, makes his halfpipe debut after years of training to expand his repertoire. His transition to the halfpipe, which demands precise aerial maneuvers and landings on a 22-foot-high U-shaped course, has been a focal point of his preparation leading into these Games.
Ferreira, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience to the pipe. The Colorado native earned silver in PyeongChang in 2018 and bronze in Beijing four years later, but gold has eluded him despite consistent top finishes in World Cup events. "I've been chasing this for so long," Ferreira told reporters earlier in the week, reflecting on his near-misses. The final, starting at 1 p.m., will feature 12 competitors performing three runs each, with judges scoring based on amplitude, difficulty, and execution. Both Americans qualified through the prelims with scores above 90 points, setting up a potential podium sweep if they outperform international rivals like China's Eileen Gu, who is competing in the women's event later.
The halfpipe competition adds to the growing legacy of U.S. freeskiing at the Olympics, a sport that has exploded in popularity since its inclusion in 2014. Goepper's versatility across events underscores the evolving nature of winter sports, where athletes like him cross-train to maximize medal opportunities. Organizers expect a crowd of over 5,000 at the Cortina site, with live broadcasts capturing the high-flying action under the Italian Alps' crisp winter sun.
Shifting to the curling arena in Cortina, the U.S. women's team takes on Switzerland in the semifinals, a rematch of sorts after the Americans edged the Swiss 7-6 in Thursday's round-robin finale. That narrow victory secured the U.S. a top-four finish, but as skip Tabitha Peterson noted, "It's a brand-new match come Friday." The game, scheduled for 8 a.m. at the Curling Arena, will determine who advances to the gold-medal final on Sunday.
Cory Thiesse, the U.S. lead, is already assured of a second Olympic medal this week after partnering with partner PyeongChang bronze medalist John Shuster to win silver in mixed doubles earlier in the Games. Thiesse's steady sweeping and strategic play have been pivotal, and she expressed confidence in the team's chemistry. "We've built momentum from that doubles run," Thiesse said, according to team statements. Switzerland, led by skip Silvana Tirinzoni, a two-time world champion, presents a stern test with their precision and experience on international ice.
Curling's popularity has surged at these Olympics, with packed venues and viral social media moments from stone placements. The U.S. squad, which includes veterans like Peterson and Becca Hamilton, has defied preseason expectations by reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2018. Analysts point to their improved end-game strategy as a key factor, especially against Switzerland's reputation for comeback wins.
These events cap a thrilling stretch for American winter sports fans, following the women's hockey gold that sparked nationwide celebrations. The U.S. team, coached by Joel Johnson, overcame a slow start to defeat Canada 3-2 in the final, with goals from Kendall Coyne Schofield and Grace Zumwinkle sealing the victory. That triumph, the first Olympic gold for the women since 2018, has boosted morale across U.S. delegations as they chase a projected 30 medals overall.
Broader context reveals the 2026 Games as a showcase of Italian hospitality amid challenging weather. Milan Cortina, hosting its first Olympics since 1956, has seen record attendance despite occasional snow delays. The International Olympic Committee reported over 2 million tickets sold, with Friday's events drawing particular interest from North American audiences tuning in via NBC broadcasts.
Looking ahead, a U.S. victory in hockey would set up a potential gold-medal clash with either Canada or Finland in the final on Sunday. Success in freeski and curling could push the American medal count into the mid-30s, building on strong showings in figure skating and alpine skiing earlier in the week. Athletes like Goepper and Ferreira embody the spirit of perseverance, while teams in hockey and curling highlight the collaborative grit that defines Olympic competition.
As the sun sets over the Dolomites, Friday promises high drama and historic moments. Whether it's Hughes leading a breakout on the ice, Ferreira launching skyward in the halfpipe, or Thiesse's broom sweeping toward victory, Team USA's performances could etch new chapters in winter sports lore. Fans worldwide will be watching, from Appleton to the arenas of Italy, as these athletes push the limits in pursuit of Olympic glory.