By Karolos Grohmann MILAN, Feb 8 (Reuters) - NHL players from several nations have started arriving at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics for their first Games participation in 12 years but the International Olympic Committee is hoping they become a feature of future editions.

After suffering a devastating loss to Canada in the gold medal game four years ago, the U.S. women's hockey team is out for some revenge at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With a collection of proven Olympic veterans and rising stars, the Americans have shown through their first two games that they have the team to compete for another gold medal.

Vice President JD Vance is back at the Milano Rho Arena to cheer on Team USA women's hockey. This time, he's joined by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

MILAN (AP) — Don't under-estimate Finnish resilience. Difficult as the week was for Finland’s national women’s hockey team in dealing with a stomach virus that sent 13 of 23 players into quarantine, coach Tero Lehtera had a good feeling his players would show up ready for their first game at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Though U.S. Vice President JD Vance was booed by some spectators at the Winter Games opening ceremony, there was later warmth with Olympic leaders.

In today’s newsletter: What to expect at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, as the Games officially get going.

Laura Kluge had a goal and three assists, Nicola Hadraschek scored twice and added an assist, and Germany defeated Japan 5-2 in the preliminary round of the women’s hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Games.

An unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron opening ceremony got the Milan Cortina Olympics officially started Friday.