The Milano-Cortina Olympics is set to host some of the most intense ice hockey matches at the "PalaItalia" arena, featuring 12 top teams vying for Olympic gold. Notably, this event marks the return of NHL stars, who have not participated in the Olympics since the 2014 Sochi Games, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament. Valdas Škadauskas, a former captain of the Lithuanian national team and now the manager of the Elektrėnai ice arena, shared insights on the teams to watch, particularly distinguishing between the clear favorites and the emerging second-tier teams that could surprise audiences.

As anticipation builds for the ice hockey tournament, the implications of the NHL players' involvement are significant, potentially raising the overall level of play and drawing more attention to the sport within Lithuania and beyond. The article reflects on Lithuania's aspirations and preparation as they aim to secure a competitive future in international ice hockey, despite facing formidable opponents that dominate the scene. The coming battles at the Olympics are expected to shape the trajectory not just of the teams involved, but also of the ice hockey landscape, influencing how smaller nations like Lithuania approach their development and strategies in the sport.