Photo Credit: International Olympic Committee

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. The tournament also saw players from both East Germany and West Germany compete together to form the Germany team, which they would participate as from 1956 through 1964.