The Latvian men's national hockey team is gearing up for a challenging match against the USA in the first game of the Olympic hockey tournament. Coach Harijs Vītoliņš emphasized the importance of physicality in the upcoming game, noting that they have observed the American team and expect a highly dynamic and physically demanding match. The game is scheduled to begin at 22:10 Latvian time on Thursday in Milan and Cortina.

Vītoliņš pointed out that the Latvian players need to be prepared for a lot of contact during the game. He remarked on the strength and speed of the American team, highlighting the necessity for his players to focus on both defense and offensive opportunities. He stressed the importance of helping their goalkeeper remain effective by managing high-risk plays and staying resilient throughout the match to exploit any nervousness from their opponents.

Despite the participation of several players from North America who joined the team recently, Vītoliņš is optimistic about the team's confidence and readiness. He believes that maintaining composure and resilience could lead to significant counter-attacking opportunities, providing a chance for Latvia to secure an advantageous position in the match and potentially upset the rivalry with the USA.