1956 Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Recap

Originally published on Apr. 22, 2021

By Zane Miller

On Saturday, February 4th, 1956, the Soviet Union defeated the United States by two points in the standings to win the eighth gold medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey history. It was the first gold medal for the Soviet Union in Olympic men’s ice hockey. The United States took the silver medal with eight points in the standings, claiming their fifth silver medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey. Canada defeated Sweden by three points in the standings, grabbing their first bronze medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey. The tournament was held in Italy, with Cortina d’Ampezzo as the host city.

Vsevolod Bobrov of the Soviet Union and Gerry Theberge of Canada tied for the most goals scored during the tournament with nine each.

1956 Final Standings (W-L-T format)

1. Soviet Union (2-0, 1.000) (Gold)

2. United States (1-1, .500) (Silver)

3. Canada (3-0, 1.000) (Bronze)

4. Sweden (1-1, .500)

5. Czechoslovakia (2-0, 1.000)

6. Germany (1-1-1, .500)

7. Italy (0-1-2, .000)

8. Poland (0-2, .000)

9. Switzerland (0-2, .000)

10. Austria (0-2-1, .000)

Game Results

Medalists final game starting lineups