Few sports capture intensity, speed and raw emotion like Olympic hockey. In 2026, with NHL stars back in the Games and fans everywhere hungry for every goal and glove save, the demand to watch live from anywhere on earth is massive. But rights restrictions and regional blackouts can make it feel impossible if you’re traveling, living abroad or simply outside your home country.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to miss a single game. The key is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) the right way. A VPN lets you watch streams as if you were physically in the country where a broadcaster holds rights, and with the right setup you can enjoy Olympic hockey in high quality on the devices you already own.
This guide walks you through it all: best VPNs for streaming, how to get set up, every broadcaster around the globe, compatible devices, and answers to all the common questions fans have. By the end you’ll know exactly how to watch every puck drop, from anywhere.
Best VPNs for Olympic Hockey in 2026
Not all VPNs are suitable for live streaming. You need speed, reliability, global server coverage and a strong track record of unblocking geo‑restricted services. Here are the top choices that deliver:
Recommended VPN Services
| VPN Provider | Why It’s Great | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Excellent global server network, fast speeds, strong unblocking | Best for 4K streams and major broadcasters |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, solid unblocking, easy to use | Great for families and multiple devices |
| ExpressVPN | Simple apps, stable performance | Reliable choice with wide server spread |
These VPNs work well with major streaming platforms like CBC Gem (Canada), BBC iPlayer (UK), Peacock (USA), RAI Play (Italy), 9Now (Australia) and many others. All have apps for phones, tablets, computers and can be set up on home routers for TV use.
How to Watch Olympic Hockey With a VPN – Step by Step
Getting a VPN ready for watching hockey isn’t hard, but doing it right makes the difference between buffering and smooth live action.
Step 1 – Pick and Install the VPN
Choose one of the VPNs and install the app on your device. Most services support:
| VPN for streaming | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 78% off + 4 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
- iPhone / Android
- Windows / macOS
- Smart TVs (directly or via router)
- Apple TV / Amazon Fire TV
- Chrome and Edge browsers
Install the app before game day so you can test it out.
Step 2 – Connect to the Right Country

Every broadcaster works in the country where it has rights. For example connect to:
- Canada for CBC Gem
- The UK for BBC iPlayer
- The USA for Peacock
- Italy for local RAI coverage
Once your VPN says you’re in the right country, the broadcaster will let you stream as if you were there.
Step 3 – Open the Stream
After connecting to the correct VPN server:
- Open the broadcaster’s app or website
- Log in or register if needed (many free services require basic registration)
- Go to the live hockey event
- Enjoy
If a broadcaster still blocks you, try a different server in the same country, clear cookies, or switch your browser to incognito mode.
VPN Tips for Best Performance
- Use WireGuard or similar fast protocol (most modern VPNs offer this)
- Keep the Kill Switch enabled to stay protected if the VPN disconnects
- Clear your browser cache if a site still thinks you’re not in the right location
Where to Watch Olympic Hockey Around the World
Every region has rights holders that show Olympic hockey live. Some are free, some paid, and all have their own platforms. Below is a complete list so you know exactly where to look.
North America
| Country | Broadcaster | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| United States | NBCUniversal | Peacock |
| Canada | CBC / Radio‑Canada | CBC Gem, TSN, RDS |
In the US, Peacock offers the biggest selection of hockey games, often with different camera angles and enhanced features. In Canada, CBC Gem streams most matches live and free with registration, while TSN and RDS add in‑depth commentary.
European Hockey Broadcasters by Country
| Country | Public Broadcaster | Streaming App / Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | RTSH | RTSH App |
| Andorra | RTVA | RTVA Web/App |
| Armenia | APMTV | TV1 |
| Belgium | VRT / RTBF | Sporza, Auvio |
| Bosnia & Herz. | BHRT | BHRT.ba |
| Bulgaria | BNT | BNT Sport |
| Czech Republic | Česká televize | ČT Sport, iVysílání |
| Denmark | DR, TV 2 | DR TV / TV 2 Play |
| Estonia | ERR | ETV / ETV2 |
| Finland | Yle | Yle Areena |
| France | France Télévisions | France.tv |
| Croatia | HRT | HRTi |
| Ireland | RTÉ | RTÉ Player |
| Iceland | RÚV | Ruv.is |
| Italy (Host) | RAI | RaiPlay |
| Cyprus | CyBC | RIK.CY |
| Lithuania | LRT | LRT.lt |
| Latvia | LTV | LSM.lv |
| Hungary | MTVA | M4 Sport |
| Moldova | TRM | TRM.md |
| Germany | ARD / ZDF | ARD Mediathek / ZDF.de |
| Netherlands | NOS | NOS.nl |
| Norway | NRK / TV 2 | NRK TV / TV 2 Play |
| Poland | TVP | TVP Sport |
| Portugal | RTP | RTP Play |
| Austria | ORF | ORF On |
| Romania | TVR | TVR+ |
| Greece | ERT | ERTFLIX |
| Slovakia | STV | RTVS.sk |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO | RTV365 |
| UK | BBC | BBC iPlayer |
This Europe table should already give you a sense of how varied rights and platforms are. It’s one thing to know who broadcasts hockey; it’s another to actually access it when you’re traveling or living outside the country.
Oceania
| Country | Broadcaster | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Nine Network | 9Now, Stan Sport |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport | Sky Go |
Australian coverage is often free via 9Now, with premium 4K available on Stan Sport. New Zealand’s Sky Sport provides solid live streams.
Asia & Middle East
| Country / Region | Broadcaster | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| China | CMG / CCTV | CCTV and digital apps |
| Japan | NHK + Commercial | NHK, local channels |
| Korea | JTBC / Naver | JTBC, Naver Sports |
| Taiwan | ELTA | ELTA TV / IPTV |
| Thailand | TrueVisions | Cable/Satellite |
| Vietnam | VTVcab | VTV Sports |
Asian coverage varies by country, but host country Italy, China and Japan all provide strong streams.
Latin America
| Area | Broadcaster | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Latin America | Claro Sports | YouTube, app |
Claro Sports broadcasts many Olympic events across Latin America, often for free on YouTube.
Africa
| Region | Broadcaster | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Select Markets | Infront / Local Partners | Platforms vary |
In Africa, digital distribution may differ by country, but VPN access to European or North American streams still works.
Devices You Can Watch Olympic Hockey On
With a VPN, you’re not limited to one screen. These are the common setups that work well:
Phones & Tablets
- iOS (iPhone, iPad)
- Android devices
- Best for on‑the‑go watching
Computers
- Windows laptops and desktops
- macOS (MacBooks, iMacs)
- Browser streaming or app use
Smart TVs
- Samsung, LG and Android TVs
- If your TV doesn’t support VPN apps, install the VPN on your Wi‑Fi router
Streaming Devices
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick
- Chromecast (with casting from phone or computer)
Game Consoles
- PlayStation
- Xbox
(Requires VPN on router or shared connection from a VPN‑ready device)
Keep in mind that the smoother the internet connection (preferably 50 Mbps+ for 4K), the better your live broadcast will feel.
Final Thoughts
Watching Olympic hockey in 2026 should be exciting, not frustrating. With a good VPN, you unlock every broadcaster as if you were sitting in the home country of the stream. That means the commentary you prefer, the quality you expect, and the freedom to watch anywhere on Earth.
Whether you’re in Asia, Europe, the Americas or beyond, the right setup gives you the power to never miss a moment of the action.
FAQ
Is using a VPN legal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries (US, Canada, EU, Australia). The legality of accessing specific streams depends on broadcaster terms of service.
What if the streaming service blocks the VPN?
Try a different server in the same country, clear cookies, or contact your VPN’s support for optimized streaming servers.
Do I need a subscription to watch?
Some platforms are free with registration (e.g., CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer). Others may require a paid subscription (Peacock, Discovery+, Stan Sport).
Can I watch on my TV?
Yes — using a Smart TV app, a streaming device, or by setting up the VPN on your router.
Watch Guides for Individual Teams
Here are links to my detailed team‑specific Olympic hockey guides so you can find tailored streaming info and schedules:
- How to Watch Team Canada Olympic Hockey Live Anywhere 2026
- Team USA Olympic Hockey 2026 – How to Watch Live
- How to Watch Team Sweden Olympic Hockey Live Anywhere 2026
- Team Finland 2026 Olympic Hockey – Where to Stream
- Team Germany Olympic Hockey Streams 2026
- How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics from Anywhere