44-year-old Slovak man arrested at 2026 Olympics after 16 years on the run

Slovakia’s men’s hockey team may have snagged a win to kick off the Olympics, but one fan took a massive loss.

An unnamed 44-year-old Slovak man was arrested Wednesday while hoping to attend the Slovakia-Finland game when he finally resurfaced after 16 years on the run, according to multiple reports.

The man was on the Italian police’s wanted list for a slew of alleged shopping thefts in 2010, the local Carabinieri police force told Reuters in a statement.

Adam Ruzicka #21 of Team Slovakia celebrates with teammates after a goal in the third period during the Men’s Preliminary Group B match between Slovakia and Finland on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images

Following his alleged crimes, he reportedly fled Italy after an arrest warrant was issued.

Still, that didn’t stop him from returning to try to watch his native hockey team play in the 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday.

Police reportedly tracked him down after he checked into a guesthouse outside Milan before Wednesday’s matchup.

After his arrest, he was transferred to a prison in San Vittore before he could even see the puck drop at Santagiulia Arena.

Reuters reported that the man must serve 11 months and seven days for the shoplifting.

Ironically, Slovakia upset Finland — the reigning gold medal winners — 4-1 — on Wednesday despite entering as heavy underdogs.

Slovakia completed an upset win over Finland in its matchup on Wednesday following one man’s arrest. REUTERS

Slovakia is coming off a bronze medal in Beijing in 2022, but has just seven NHL players for the 2026 Games, putting them in a tougher spot against elite competition.

Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovský scored twice to bring his career Olympic tally to nine goals while goaltender Samuel Hlavaj saved 39 of 40 shots to claim victory.

Slovakia’s next matchup will come on Friday against Italy, followed by its final preliminary contest against Sweden on Saturday.

The country’s best hopes of winning an Olympic medal likely lie with the squad, especially after it fell short in the women’s team alpine event.

Slovakia has yet to claim a medal in 2026.