As Team Canada’s women’s ice hockey team takes to the ice for the gold medal game against the United States at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Montrealers are eager to watch the action unfold.

From living rooms to sports bars, the city’s passion for the sport is on full display.

Le Nadia becomes a gathering point for fans

One of the spots drawing fans is Le Nadia – Guinguette sportive on Ontario E. Street in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. The recently opened sports bar has quickly become a popular spot to watch the game, offering a festive, inclusive atmosphere for those supporting the Canadian women’s ice hockey team.

Le Nadia’s connection to the Olympics runs deep. Named in tribute to Nadia Comăneci, the gymnast whose perfect 10 performance at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games became a global sensation, the bar embodies her legacy. It provides a space where fans can come together, celebrate the achievements of women athletes, and experience the Olympics in a communal setting.

Catherine D. Lapointe, co-founder of Le Nadia, reflected on the bar’s mission.

“I think there’s really a continuity there. I wasn’t born in ’76, but I still have the memory of it because I’ve been told so many times what happened with Nadia there. So I think it just makes sense to continue that legacy over here… It’s like we’re having an Olympics in Montreal again,” she said.

Catherine D. Lapointe, co-founder of Le Nadia – Guinguette sportive. Feb. 19, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)

She added that the bar was created to be a space for the community to gather.

“I think that was the main point of doing that project, just to have a place to gather together. Because for someone who was so hard to just not watch sport alone in your bed, under your sheets. So just having that place to be together, whatever, the ending of that is just so precious for us.”

She also described the vibrant atmosphere.

“The vibe is super great. People are happy. They’re super involved in the game. I think they feel like they belong there. So just the fact that everybody belongs is super cool. And it’s like the super diverse as well. So we’re super proud of that.”

Game day excitement

On game day, the energy inside Le Nadia is electric. Fans decked out in jerseys, hats, and team colours pack the bar, waving flags and cheering loudly for Team Canada.

Members of the Montreal Roses, the city’s professional women’s soccer team, were also on hand to support the Canadian women’s hockey team, adding to the sense of camaraderie and local pride.

Anna Karpenko, goalkeeper for the Montreal Roses, described the experience of watching the game with her teammates.

“Just to have the support from the community to be able to watch a women’s sport somewhere other than from home is such an honour. And honestly, it should have been a thing a long time ago, but we’re going to take what we can get. And this is honestly, it’s awesome. It’s a weekday and it’s so lively in here,” she said.

Anna Karpenko, goalkeeper for the Montreal Roses, at Le Nadia bar in Montreal to watch Team Canada take on the USA in the women’s ice hockey Olympic gold medal game on Feb 19, 2026. (Emily Pasquarelli, CityNews)

Karpenko also reflected on the impact of seeing so many fans gathered together.

“It really shows how, you know, progress women’s sports have gotten and how many fans are. You look around the room, you see men, women, you see everyone around here of all ages. So it’s just honestly awesome for everyone to get together in the same atmosphere and share for women’s sports.”

She added that being there with her team and supporting her country made the moment even more meaningful.

“Honestly, to be with my team and also to be able to support my country in such a big event and the finals as well is so surreal, and I’m just excited to watch some women’s hockey and some Olympics,” she said.

She also praised Le Nadia for giving fans a dedicated space to celebrate women’s sports.

“It’s honestly something that we should have had way longer before, but it’s just nice to have the recognition and the support and to be able to have that outlet to come support other women’s sports.”

Fans reflect on the matchup

Elena Costante, originally from the U.K. and living in Montreal for a year-and-a-half, explained why she chose Le Nadia to watch the big game.

“I think it’s incredibly important to support women’s sports, and this is exactly what the bar does. For me, it didn’t make sense to go anywhere else — it was just the obvious choice, really.”

She added her expectations for the matchup.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of passion. There’s obviously a gold medal on the line. I think everyone here believes in the Canadian team, but we’ve also seen what the U.S. have been able to do over the past few weeks, so I think we have to be a little bit realistic. But I’m excited to see what the Canadian women can do,” she expressed.

Fans Caroline Cauhape (left), Elena Costante (middle) and Salomé Villemin (right) at Le Nadia bar in Montreal to watch Team Canada take on the USA in the women’s ice hockey Olympic gold medal game on Feb 19, 2026. (Emily Pasquarelli, CityNews)

Anne-Marie Pellerin, a Montrealer, also shared her thoughts ahead of puck drop.

“I expect very good hockey. Anything can happen at the Olympics. I know the U.S. has given us a hard time in the past months over the rivalry series, the first game we played at the Olympics, but anything can happen. I don’t know — I am hoping for good hockey. I think it’s going to be a historical game.”

People gather at Le Nadia bar in Montreal to watch Team Canada take on the USA in the women’s ice hockey Olympic gold medal game on Feb 19, 2026. (Emily Pasquarelli, CityNews)