NHL: Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks
Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Men’s hockey is now underway at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. In the first game, Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary took the ice for Team Slovakia as they beat Finland 4-1 on Wednesday.

Fehervary, an alternate captain, looked pretty solid in his native team’s victory. Paired with fellow blueliner Simon Nemec, the 26-year-old finished with two shots and 22:03 of ice time, the second-most on the team.

Fehervary also made some big plays, skated well, and was physical. He may have been on the ice for a goal against, but finished strong, nonetheless.

It’s a special moment for the 26-year-old defenseman, who spent all of last offseason recovering from meniscus surgery. Fehervary also just became a dad as he and his girlfriend welcomed a baby girl on Jan. 31.

Through 58 Capitals games this season, Fehervary has four goals and 16 assists. He also has a plus/minus of plus-11, 72 hits, and a team-leading 119 blocks.

Also in the game, Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slofkovsky recorded three points (2 goals, 1 assist) en route to Slovakia’s win. Goaltender Samuel Hlavaj, who plays in the AHL for the Iowa Wild, set the Slovak Olympic record with 38 saves.

With the win, Slovakia moves to the top of Group B and will next play the host Italian team on Friday.

avatar
Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for Sportsnaut. He also contributes to the sites ... More about Harry Lichtman