MILAN, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Canada and the United States open a fresh chapter in their epic Olympic rivalry in Milan on Sunday, facing off in a heaven-sent gold-medal game that North American fans were praying for in the men's ice hockey tournament.

Connor McDavid & Team Canada settle for silver at Milano Cortina 2026 after falling 2-1 in overtime to the United States in the gold-medal game on Sunday at Milano Santigiulia Ice Hockey Arena

The United States and Canada's women's hockey teams have had a long-standing rivalry that is set to reignite at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Olympics gold medal matchup in men’s hockey has long been anticipated after the past two Winter Games were contested without NHL players.

Manitoba's Larocque and Tabin earn silver after Canada's thrilling overtime loss to dominant U.S. in Olympic gold medal hockey clash.

Team Finland and Team Canada play in the first semifinal game at Santagiulia Arena (10:40 a.m. ET; Peacock, USA [JIP], ICI Tele, CBC Gem, CBC, SN [JIP], RDS2), followed by Team USA against Team Slovakia in the second game (3:10 p.m. ET; Peacock, NBC, ICI Tele, CBC Gem, CBC [JIP], TSN [JIP], RDS2).