Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics

Lore & Background

The tournament marked the first Olympic use of NHL-sized rinks (61 m × 26 m) instead of international dimensions, saving an estimated $10 million in construction costs. The men's event also debuted the four-official system (two referees, two linesmen), while the women's tournament retained the three-official system. The Vancouver Canucks undertook the longest road trip in NHL history—14 games over six weeks—to free their home arena for the Olympics.

Reader's Guide

The 2010 Olympic ice hockey tournaments were significant for several firsts. The shift to narrower NHL-sized rinks aligned the Games with professional North American standards and allowed existing venues to be used without modification. The men's tournament introduced a four-official system, reflecting changes already adopted by the NHL and IIHF. Canada's double gold victory over the United States reinforced its dominance in the sport. Additionally, Finnish players Jere Lehtinen and Teemu Selänne became the sixth and seventh hockey players to compete in five Olympics, with Selänne later joining Raimo Helminen as a six-time Olympian in 2014. The event also required the Vancouver Canucks to undertake an extended road trip, highlighting the logistical impact of hosting the Olympics.

Did You Know?

• Canada won both the men's and women's tournaments, defeating the United States in each final.
• Finland won both bronze medal games, against different opponents.
• The games were played on NHL-sized rinks (61 m × 26 m) for the first time at an Olympics.
• Jere Lehtinen and Teemu Selänne became the sixth and seventh hockey players to compete at five Olympics.