Sochi Winter Olympics 2014 Men's Hockey Schedule: See Matchups; Play Opens Wednesday With Sweden Vs. Czech Republic

Team USA Hockey Reuters — Patrick Kane hopes to lead Team USA on a strong run through their Olympic schedule. Reuters

The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are off to a tremendous start, with numerous events providing folks around the globe high levels of entertainment. While various alpine skiing, biathlon, curling and figure skating competitions continue to eat up large portions of the headlines, women’s ice hockey remains a must-see sport as well. Tremendous starts by Team USA, Canada and Sweden have propelled each to the top of their respective groups in the preliminary rounds but the Russian National squad -- who hope to build off their home ice advantage -- sit just three points shy of the Swedish National team in Group B.

While women’s hockey continues to move along, the men’s division of Olympic ice hockey is approaching its start date. With Sweden and Czech Republic set to open the 2014 Sochi Hockey Games with a showdown on Wednesday, Feb. 12, international fans will have the opportunity to once again enjoy one of the most popular events at the Winter Olympics. Defending champion Canada boasts another top-level team that includes All-Star talent in Sidney Crosby, Corey Perry, Rick Nash, Duncan Keith and Ryan Getzlaf among others, with 2010 Silver medalist Team USA carry significant talent themselves.

Twelve members of the 2010 squad that lost a 3-2 overtime thriller to Team Canada in Vancouver will return for another crack at the title, with Minnesota Wild star Zach Parise serving as team captain. Parise tied the 2010 Championship game with a goal in the final minute to send the contest to overtime but a Sidney Crosby tally sent the Canadian faithful into a frenzy while handing the nation its eighth Olympic Gold Medal. Canada, the United States and Finland are listed as the top three favorites to bring home the gold but strong teams in Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic are expected to compete at high levels as well.

Set to begin this Wednesday, here’s a complete look at the early match-up slate and full schedule for Men’s Ice Hockey at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. NBC Television, MSNBC, the USA Network, NBC Sports Network and CNBC will broadcast various hockey events throughout the Olympic tournament with NBCOlympics.com offering live streaming of certain contests as well.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Men’s Prelims, Group C

Czech Republic vs. Sweden, 12 p.m. ET

Latvia vs. Switzerland, 12 p.m. ET

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Men’s Prelims, Group A

Russia vs. Slovenia, 7:30 a.m. ET

USA vs. Slovakia, 7:30 a.m. ET

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Men’s Prelims, Group B

Finland vs. Austria, 3 a.m. ET

Canada vs. Norway, 12 p.m. ET

Friday, Feb. 14 – Men’s Prelims, Group B

Canada vs. Austria, 12 p.m. ET

Norway vs. Finland 12 p.m. ET