Latvian forward Mārtiņš Dzierkals stated that the participation of NHL players in the Olympic hockey tournament in Milan and Cortina will raise the level of competition significantly. He emphasized that this edition will feature the best hockey players in the world, enhancing the prestige of the Olympics, a tournament that many aspire to play in. Dzierkals noted that he regularly competes against NHL players, ensuring that skill levels remain high regardless of the league a player represents.

The return of NHL players to the Olympic stage is particularly significant as it has been nearly a decade since they last competed in this event, namely in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Dzierkals articulated the importance of such high stakes, stating that athletes not only seek to perform at their best but also to provide an enjoyable experience for the audience. He has confidence in Latvian hockey, stating that they aim to meet the challenge and hope to deliver an excellent performance that fans can enjoy.

Latvian hockey team recently conducted their first training session at the Santa Giulia Arena, preparing for their opening match against Team USA next Thursday. Dzierkals and his teammates are excited about playing in this prestigious tournament and are focused on their strategy to compete effectively against the top-tier teams in the Olympics. The inclusion of NHL players is poised to elevate the hockey experience, promising fans beautiful and high-level games throughout the tournament.