Olympic Hockey Begins — Speed, Chemistry & the Teams to Watch With Ken Hitchcock & Scott Burnside

Olympic hockey coverage begins on 100% Hockey as John Shannon is joined by Ken Hitchcock and Scott Burnsideto preview the men’s tournament at the Winter Games in Milan.

Hitchcock breaks down how the tournament may be decided on the ice, focusing on chemistry, systems, and coaching influence. He contrasts the speed and transition game of the United States with Canada’s cycle-heavy approach, and explains why teams like Finland and Germany could be dangerous in a short, high-pressure tournament. Hitchcock also discusses coaching styles, including why Jon Cooper’s personality could be a key factor behind the Canadian bench.

Burnside joins from Milan to provide on-the-ground insight, confirming strong arena conditions, solid ice reviews, and a rising sense of anticipation among teams. The group looks at roster depth across the field, early lineup questions, and why goaltending and special teams could ultimately decide games in such a compressed format.