2026 National Men's Ice Hockey Championship Kicks Off in Kangbao, Zhangjiakou

Competition is scheduled in four daily sessions with four matches per day. The competition schedule includes group stage matches from June 27 to June 29, crossover matches on July 1, knockout qualification matches on July 2, and final ranking matches on July 3. All participating teams will depart on July 4.

The tournament gathers 8 elite ice hockey teams across the country, including Qiqihar Team, Beijing Ice Hockey Association Team, Guizhou Team, Liaoning Team, Liaoning Ice Hockey Association Team, Beijing Team, Anhui Team and Guangdong Team, with more than 340 athletes and staff participating. Beijing sends two representative teams — Beijing Team and Beijing Ice Hockey Association Team, competing in Group A and Group B respectively.

The opening day witnessed brilliant performances, as both Beijing teams secured impressive victories in their first group matches.

The Group A match started at 12:30 between the five-time defending champion Beijing Team and Guizhou Team. Beijing Team dominated from the opening whistle with diversified scoring, taking an overwhelming 8:0 lead in the first period. Maintaining stable performance and total control in the following periods, Beijing Team claimed a decisive 25:0 victory, demonstrating absolute dominance on the ice.

The exciting Group B game started at 16:00, where Beijing Ice Hockey Association Team faced the strong opponent Qiqihar Team with intense and dramatic competition. Qiqihar scored twice in the first period and kept the game tight. Taking advantage of power-play opportunities, Beijing Ice Hockey Association Team scored three goals by Xu Renhan (No.14), Zuo Tianyou (No.8) and Zhuang Xinyu (No.97), leading 3:2 after the first period.

In the second period, Zhou Enzhi (No.2) scored another goal after the opponent’s consecutive penalties to expand the lead. In the final period, Beijing Ice Hockey Association Team fully controlled the game rhythm. Li Zhichen (No.9), Zhuang Xinyu (No.97), Wen Jiahao (No.29) and Zuo Tianyou (No.8) scored four consecutive goals, sealing the final score at 8:2.

The team showed smooth offensive and defensive transitions, flexible tactical adjustments against high-intensity confrontation, and excellent on-the-spot adaptability and sportsmanship.

On the opening day, Anhui Team defeated Liaoning Team 7:2, while Liaoning Ice Hockey Association Team beat Guangdong Team 7:0.