Heated Rivalry Drives Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Hockey Ticket Demand

Fans like Chiara are getting swept up in the drama and star power of the Winter Olympics hockey tournament.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Three weeks ago, 25-year-old Chiara didn't know much about hockey, but after watching the new film "Heated Rivalry" she's now spending hundreds on Winter Olympics hockey tickets in Milan. While Finland dominates on the ice, players like Sweden's Alexander Wennberg have become pop culture figures off it, drawing in new fans. Meanwhile, the Canadian hockey team caused a stir by ditching the Olympic Village for a five-star hotel, prioritizing comfort over the full Olympic experience.

Why it matters

The heated rivalries and star power of the Winter Olympics hockey tournament are driving unexpected ticket demand from new fans like Chiara, who are getting swept up in the drama of the games. This reflects how the Olympics can capture the public's imagination beyond just the athletic competition.

The details

Chiara was surprised by the fast pace and physical tension of the Olympic hockey games, which she found very different from her initial perceptions. While Finland is dominating on the ice, certain players like Sweden's Alexander Wennberg have become pop culture figures off it due to their good looks. Meanwhile, the Canadian hockey team caused a stir by leaving the Olympic Village after just two nights to stay at a five-star hotel, prioritizing comfort over the full Olympic experience.

  • Three weeks ago, Chiara didn't know what icing was.
  • On Tuesday afternoon, the Canadian national hockey team was spotted on the Milan subway.
  • On Saturday, Finland defeated Canada 11-0.

The players

Chiara

A 25-year-old who has become a new fan of Olympic hockey after watching the film "Heated Rivalry".

Alexander Wennberg

An alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks who is playing for Team Sweden and has become a pop culture figure due to his good looks.

Logan Thompson

The goalkeeper for the Canadian national hockey team, who said they left the Olympic Village to "give ourselves the best chance to win".

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What they’re saying

“When I saw the pictures I thought it was a meme, Like, 'Even demigods take the subway.'”

— Chiara

“We're not being disrespectful, we just want to give ourselves the best chance to win.”

— Logan Thompson, Goalkeeper, Canadian national hockey team

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The heated rivalries and star power of the Winter Olympics hockey tournament are driving unexpected ticket demand from new fans, highlighting how the Olympics can capture the public's imagination beyond just the athletic competition.