The Czech Republic's ice hockey team endured a disheartening start to their Olympic tournament in Milan, losing 0-5 to the Canadian team, which many consider the strongest contender following the return of NHL players. While the Czechs initially matched Canada's tempo in the first period, the undeniable talent of the North American stars soon revealed itself, leading to an inevitable defeat. This match had been long anticipated by the hockey world, as top players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon were making their Olympic debuts.

Despite the loss, Czech coach Radim Rulík maintained a positive outlook, praising his players for their effort on the ice. He acknowledged that facing Canada right at the beginning of the group stage was a challenging hurdle, but some felt it might be better to encounter them early when they were less in rhythm. The Czech team managed to hold off a goal until the very end of the first period, with a critical deflection from Macklin Celebrini at 19:54 marking the turning point of the game. After this, Canada dominated the scoring, securing four additional goals without allowing the Czechs significant opportunities.

This defeat marks the Czech Republic's worst start in Olympic history, placing them in a difficult position in their group moving forward. Coach Rulík's acceptance of the reality of the game highlights the need for the team to regroup and refocus for upcoming matches. As the Olympics progress, the Czech team will need to draw lessons from this experience if they hope to challenge for better outcomes in future games.