Today, at 22:05 EET, ETV+ and ERR's sports portal will broadcast live the opening match of the men's ice hockey tournament at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, featuring Latvia against the USA. Commentators Villem Koitmaa and Jens Hubert Parras will provide insights during the game. This men's hockey tournament promises to be of high quality, as all the world's top players return to the Olympics after a break of over a decade, with the NHL pausing its season to allow its players to participate.

To strengthen their lineup, Latvia has called upon six players from overseas, including Rodrigo Abols, Uvis Balinskis, Teodors Blugers, Zemgus Girgensons, Elvis Merzlikinš, and Arturs Šilovs. The team is also led by head coach Harijs Vitolinš, who has included seasoned captain Kaspars Daugavinš, bringing NHL experience to the roster. Daugavinš is currently playing in Germany's second league, and this will mark his fourth Olympic appearance, showcasing his dedication to the sport.

Since the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, Latvia has been striving to improve its standings in international ice hockey, and this game against the USA is a critical opportunity for the team to showcase their progress and compete on a global stage. The anticipation surrounding this match is heightened given the quality of players involved and the stakes of the tournament, which could influence the future of Latvian ice hockey on the international scene.