In a recent interview with 'sportacentrs.com', Harijs Vītoliņš, the head coach of the Latvian hockey team, confirmed that goalkeeper Elvis Merzļikins will defend the net in their first game against the USA during the Olympic Games in Milan. This highly anticipated match will kick off on February 12, 2026, at 10:10 PM, marking Latvia's entry into the Olympic tournament. The team faces a strong USA squad filled with talented players, heightening the stakes for this opening match.

Elvis Merzļikins, who plays for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, has secured his position as the starting goalkeeper, competing for the role against another NHL goalie, Artūrs Šilovs, and German league star Kristers Gudļevskis. Merzļikins’ selection reflects the team's confidence in his abilities to perform at a high level during the Olympics, especially given the challenge posed by the USA’s star-studded lineup. Prior to this announcement, Šilovs expressed his feelings about possibly not participating in such a high-stakes match, indicating the competitive nature of the team selection process.

Following their encounter with the USA, the Latvian team will face Germany on February 14, 2026, and will conclude their group stage against Denmark the following day. The outcomes of these matches are crucial as they determine the team's advancement in the Olympic tournament, making the chosen lineup vital for Latvia's success on the international stage.