Winter Olympics 2026: U.S. women play hockey and Ilia Malinin skates for the first time

The article highlights live coverage of early events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, noting the first medal competition is the men’s downhill at 5:30 a.m. ET, and it reports U.S. women's hockey play plus Ilia Malinin’s first skate at these Games.

The Winter Olympics are underway with live updates and streaming options for viewers. The article reports that the first medal event of the Games is the men’s downhill, scheduled to begin at 5:30 a.m. ET. Coverage also includes U.S. women’s hockey play and notes Ilia Malinin skating for the first time at these Games. The report highlights Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt as a top alpine skier expected to compete in multiple events. Key facts: - The article notes streaming and coverage options, including Peacock and an Olympics hub with updates. - The first medal event is the men’s downhill, scheduled for 5:30 a.m. ET. - Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt is mentioned as a leading alpine skier and is expected to contest the downhill, super-G and giant slalom. - The U.S. has four skiers entered in the men’s downhill: Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Bryce Bennett, Kyle Negomir and Sam Morse, according to the report. - The article reports U.S. women’s hockey matches are on the schedule and that Ilia Malinin is skating for the first time at these Games. Summary: Alpine skiing and hockey are among the early events drawing attention as the Games begin. The men’s downhill at 5:30 a.m. ET is the first medal competition, and live coverage is being provided across multiple platforms. Further results and schedule updates are reported to follow as the day’s events proceed.