

Ice hockey has been a thrilling part of the Olympic Games for over a century, captivating fans with its speed, intensity, and drama. The sport made its Olympic debut at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, before being permanently included in the Winter Olympics when they began in 1924 in Chamonix, France. The 1xBet platform also has lots of wagering possibilities on the Olympics too.
Canada quickly became the dominant force in early Olympic ice hockey, winning 6 of the first 7 gold medals between 1920 and 1952. Their strong amateur teams, often composed of players from a single club, showcased the nation’s deep love and talent for the sport. Other major ice hockey competitions are available at the 1xBet website too.
However, the landscape shifted with the rise of the Soviet Union. Making their Olympic debut in 1956, the Soviets won gold in 7 of the next 9 Winter Games, using a state-supported program that blurred the line between amateurism and professionalism.
The Olympic tournament remained an amateur event for decades, but this began to change in the late 20th century. It is possible to place bets via the 1xBet mobile platform on other sports events featured at the Olympics too.
By the 1980s, tensions between amateur ideals and professional reality were becoming unsustainable. One of the most famous moments in Olympic history, the "Miracle on Ice", occurred during the 1980 Lake Placid Games. This was when a team of American college players upset the heavily favored Soviet squad.
In 1998, a major shift occurred when the Nagano Olympics allowed full participation from NHL players for the first time. This brought new global attention and elevated the competition level. Many iconic players also became legends of theme national teams, with 3 examples being:
Wayne Gretzky;
Jaromír Jágr;
and Dominik Hašek.
However, NHL participation has been inconsistent since then, with players missing the 2018 and 2022 Games due to league decisions and global events. At this moment users can also place bets via the mobile platform 1xBet on the NHL too.
On the women's side, ice hockey was added to the Olympic program in 1998. Since then, the U.S. and Canada have dominated the sport, engaging in fierce rivalries and producing unforgettable finals.
Today, Olympic ice hockey continues to be a highlight of the Winter Games, blending tradition, nationalism, and high-level competition. Its history reflects broader political and cultural shifts, making it more than just a sport. It has turned into a reflection of the changing world stage.