Latvia's national ice hockey team, featuring six active NHL players, prepares for their Olympic match against the USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage after a 12-year absence.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are set to showcase a unique men's ice hockey tournament, particularly due to the participation of players from the National Hockey League (NHL). This marks the first time in 12 years that players from the NHL have returned to the Olympic Games, promising to elevate the competitive level of the tournament significantly. The format features a round-robin within groups, with the top three teams and the best second-placed team advancing directly to the quarter-finals, while the remaining teams will have to compete in qualification knockout rounds on February 17.
