Players in quarantine
Virus outbreak: Olympic ice hockey game postponed
02/05/2026 – 2:57 p.mReading time: 1 min.
The Finnish women’s ice hockey opening game at the Olympics in Milan has to be postponed. A virus outbreak has put most of the players out of action.
The Finnish women’s ice hockey team is battling a massive norovirus outbreak at the Winter Olympics in Milan. The opening game against Canada planned for Thursday had to be postponed by a week. The reason: 13 players are in quarantine or isolation, as a spokeswoman explained.
According to the regulations, at least 17 players are required for a regular event. However, at training on Thursday, the Finnish team only had ten players available, including two goalkeepers.
The Finns had already canceled their training and planned media appearances on Wednesday as a precaution. Team doctor Maarit Valtonen had confirmed that gastrointestinal problems were caused by the highly contagious norovirus, which causes sudden, severe vomiting diarrhea. Transmission can occur through smear infection from person to person or through contaminated food or water.
The sick people and their roommates were isolated, said Valtonen. “And all of the team’s premises in the Olympic Village and the ice rink will be disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, attempts will be made to avoid all contacts for the time being.”
The game against Canada will now be played in Milan next Thursday. Both teams agreed on this postponement with the organizers.
