The men's hockey tournament at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has begun, and an important game features the Latvian national team competing against the USA. This tournament is unique as it marks the return of players from the National Hockey League (NHL) to the Olympics after a long hiatus of 12 years. The format of the tournament requires each team to play round-robin matches in their respective groups, with the group winners and the best second-place team advancing to the quarter-finals, placing significant pressure on teams to perform well from the outset.

Latvia has assembled a competitive roster, featuring six active NHL players, enhancing their chances of success in this prestigious international event. As the tournament progresses, the teams will face off in a series of critical matches, leading up to the quarter-finals scheduled for February 18. Notably, this year's format does not include warm-up games, further raising the stakes for the opening matches as teams strive to secure their positions early on.

The presence of NHL players is expected to elevate the level of competition, with teams like Latvia aiming to capitalize on their talent and experience. The outcome of this match against the USA will be pivotal in setting the tone for their Olympic campaign and will be closely watched by fans back home in Latvia, as the nation hopes for a strong performance from their hockey team on this grand stage.