Canada vs USA gold medal game moved to 8:10 ET as Team Canada changes pregame routine

Canada and team USA get underway at 8:10a.m., EST for gold at the 2026 Olympics men's hockey tournament, earlier than their semifinals game at 10:40.

Both Canadians and Americans will have an earlier than usual rise for many for the game taking place in Milan, a six hour time zone difference.

Neither team will have a morning pre-game warmup skate, and media access will be limited, with no access to the on-ice session for extra skaters, this due to the earlier starting time.

The match is the first rematch of the two nations since the 2025 4 Nations, in which Canada defeated the United States in overtime, 3-2.

Canada will be looking for their third consecutive gold with NHLers, while the U.S. looks to rebound from their loss at the 4 Nations.

The morning match is a conclusion on the final day of the Olympics and the ultimate clash between the two biggest nations in hockey, and the fiercest international rivalry of the sport.

Canada and the United States have been evenly matched statistically, even if the two teams pathway to the finals have been different.

Canada squeaked into the finals after a late goal from Nathan MacKinnon after being down against Finland saved the Canadians from fighting for Bronze.

Canada came close to a loss against Czechia in the quarterfinals before a comeback topped off by a goal from Mitch Marner in overtime.

The Canadians have a 10-2 victory over France as their leading achievement in the tournament, the rest of their games having had to rely on effort and consistent pushing offensively.

On the other end, the United States has had an easier time getting into the finals, with only Sweden keeping them to two goals.

The United States easily dominated the rest of their opponents, outscoring them 22-7, including a 6-2 romp of Slovakia in the semifinals.

The USA have had reliability both offensively and defensively, although they haven't had to play a Canada team with the likes of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, & Macklin Celebrini.

Goaltending could be the deciding factor in the match. Jordan Binnington has the experience in net, and despite some shakiness in the tournament has come to Canada's aid with some important saves to keep them in games.

Binnington was the starter in Canada's 4 Nations victory, and will be trusted yet again to be the potential X-factor, especially going toe-to-toe Team USA's Connor Hellebuyck.

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Team Canada imposes a new restriction ahead of the gold medal game, Team USA doesn’t