The most prominent Latvia-born players to reach the NHL are defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, who helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 1996 and played 875 games in 15 NHL seasons, and goalie Arturs Irbe, who had 218 wins and 33 shutouts in 13 seasons.

On the eve of Team USA's debut in the men's hockey tournament, McAvoy chronicles his Olympic adventures for The Athletic.

Elvis Merzlikins, a star NHL goalie for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is set to represent Team Latvia at the Olympics. He faces a tough opener against Team USA. Merzlikins sees this as a significant personal challenge to showcase his skills on the world's biggest stage.

MILAN -- The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 men’s hockey tournament begins Wednesday when the 12 nations compete in three groups. Group A consists of Canada, Czechia, France and Switzerland. Finland, Italy, Sweden and Slovakia will play in Group B. Group C features Denmark, Germany, Latvia and the United States.

NHL players are back at the Olympics, and preliminary play opens with two contests in Milan. Here is the schedule, where to watch and scores.

As the NHL pauses its season for the first time since 2014, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, will host the men's ice hockey event with NHL stars and elite international players from across the globe.

NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014. Here are the rosters and schedule, plus how to watch:

The toughest group of the Men’s tournament in these Olympics, this group features the powerhouse Team Canada, the ever-competing Team Czechia, the new threat of Team Switzerland, and the respectable outsider Team France. Let’s start with Team Canada.

The best players on the best team are the favorites to score the most goals during the Men’s Hockey Tournament at the Winter Olympics. That sounds logical at first glance. Dig a little deeper,