Zemgus Girgensons, a forward for the Latvian men's ice hockey team, emphasized the significance of understanding teammate dynamics during a training match against Switzerland. The Latvian team triumphed over their Swiss opponents with a score of 3-1, and Girgensons contributed to the victory by scoring one goal. He noted that this match, while a training exercise, provided a near-authentic experience of competitive hockey and was essential for refining their playing style and team strategy under training conditions.

During the game, Girgensons reflected on his interaction with the coaching system and his fellow players, particularly mentioning a play where he redirected a shot from Uvis Balinskis into the net. Having arrived in Milan just a day before the match, Girgensons felt a mix of emotions, expressing joy in reconnecting with his teammates and speaking their shared language—Latvian. This camaraderie, especially with players whom he hasn’t seen since the Olympic qualifying rounds, added a cherished dimension to their training process.

Girgensons acknowledged that while some players may struggle to retain their proficiency in Latvian after spending extended periods abroad, the shared experiences and humor, such as jokes from Ralfs Freibergs about language mishaps, help them bond. This training game serves as a critical opportunity for the team to synchronize before heading into more serious competitions, showcasing the importance of teamwork and communication on their journey ahead.