Why NHL-style fights will not be seen at 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan

When NHL superstars take to the ice for the 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milano-Cortina, fans expecting classic hockey fights will be in for a letdown. Despite the rugged nature and high stakes of Olympic men’s hockey, players will not be dropping the gloves in Milan, and here is why.Unlike in the NHL, where fighting warrants a five-minute penalty but is still part of the culture of hockey, international hockey is played by a far more stringent set of rules. The Olympic hockey organization, referred to as the International Ice Hockey Federation, considers fighting a major offense. The key difference between NHL brawls and the Olympics lies in IIHF Rule 46. In international rules, the term “fight,” concerning the definition of constant punching or wrestling while the officials cannot interfere, is specifically condemned. It has been stated that fighting “is NOT part of international ice hockey’s DNA.”Players considered “willing combatants” can be given severe sanctions. Referees possess the power to give major penalties that include both game misconduct and ejections. In addition, supplementary discipline such as suspensions can be given. Players who attempt or continue engaging in a fight even when ordered to stop can be given an auto game misconduct penalty.In contrast to the above, the NHL’s process is more liberal. Although engaging in a fight creates a five-minute major penalty within the game, players are not commonly expelled. Nevertheless, engaging in fights is part of hockey culture in North America. It is perceived to discipline the game or generate enthusiasm.Physical intimidation is not the main focus of the sport of Olympic hockey. The stakes are also extremely high for the athletes competing in the shorter international tournaments. They have a small number of players, and replacement players are not plentiful. They know that the emotional choice of one of their own could keep their country from winning the gold medal.As the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey for the first time in over a decade commences, not only will they have to become adapted to the international rink sizes and refereeing, but also to their zero-tolerance stance on fighting.In Milan, the message is clear: medals are won with goals, defense, and goaltending—not fists.