Finland Postpones Olympic Hockey Game Vs. Canada After Norovirus Outbreak
Thirteen Finnish players were infected or quarantined, forcing Finland’s game with Canada to be rescheduled to Feb. 12, 2026.
Overview
Olympic officials announced that Finland's women's preliminary-round game against Canada was postponed and rescheduled to Feb. 12, 2026, after 13 Finnish players were infected or placed in quarantine with norovirus.
Finland completed an early-afternoon practice with eight skaters and two goalies and ended the session with 10 healthy players, a shortfall coach Tero Lehterä said made playing a full game unfair to his squad.
Coach Tero Lehterä said the illness began affecting the team on Tuesday night and that "most of them are getting better but not healthy enough to play," in comments to The Associated Press.
The postponement provides Finland two extra days to rest before playing the U.S. on Saturday and follows team officials' prior consideration of a possible forfeiture, Olympic records show.
Organizers said they will monitor athletes for additional cases and cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that people with norovirus can remain contagious for days after recovery.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this neutrally: they emphasize facts and context, rely on official statements and player quotes, and avoid evaluative language. Examples include chronological reporting of the postponement, quotes from Olympic officials and Finland’s coach and captain, and contextual background on tournament stakes and past pandemic disruptions.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The game has been rescheduled to February 12, 2026, at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena (also referred to as Rho Arena).
Thirteen Finnish players were infected or placed in quarantine due to norovirus.
The postponement followed consultations with medical professionals after norovirus cases in Team Finland, prioritizing health and safety of all participants.
Canada are the reigning Olympic champions from 2022, while Finland won bronze in the last two Games, including a 11-1 loss to Canada in 2022.
Organizers are monitoring athletes for additional cases, following CDC guidance that norovirus can remain contagious for days after recovery, and teams have isolated affected players.
History
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