The Decibel What’s at stake for Canada at the Milan Cortina Winter Games
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Feb 6, 2026 Cahal Kelly, Globe and Mail sports columnist who has covered multiple Olympics, previews Milan-Cortina. He describes press-centre life and logistical hiccups. He digs into hockey’s outsized political and cultural weight and NHL participation. He outlines funding pressures, athlete costs and injury worries. He explains venue spread, multiple villages and how all this shapes Canada’s narrative at the Games.
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Early Issues: Norovirus Delays Hockey
- Cahal reported from the main press centre where operations seemed to be working smoothly.
- He noted Canada’s women's hockey opener was rescheduled because Finland had norovirus.
A Sharper Tone From Canadian Officials
- The Canadian Olympic Committee framed competition differently, saying we are 'friends' with others only 'often.'
- Kelly sees that wording as evidence of a tougher, more competitive Canadian posture.
Development Funding Shortfalls
- Funding for athlete development has dropped since Vancouver 2010, shifting costs to families.
- Kelly warns this raises barriers and makes Canada's talent pipeline more expensive and fragile.