In their first match of the Olympic tournament held in Milan, the Latvian men's ice hockey team faced a tough opponent in the USA, losing the game with a score of 1-5. Despite the final score, Latvia exhibited a strong start, successfully equalizing early in the first period thanks to Renārs Krastenbergs’ goal, which demonstrated their ability to compete on the international stage. The American team, however, proved too strong, with players like Brock Nelson scoring two goals and significant contributions from Brady Tkachuk, Teige Thompson, and Auston Matthews.

The match saw Latvian goalie Elvis Merzļikins initially making a commendable effort by stopping 28 of 32 shots before being replaced by Artūrs Šilovs, who faced six shots in the third period. The defensive strategies and the usage of video replay to check for American goals reflected an effort to keep the match competitive. Latvia's ability to counterattack was apparent as they managed a total of 18 shots against American goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but as the game progressed, the pressure mounted, leading to eventual goals by the USA that sealed the outcome.

This match serves as a notable benchmark for the Latvian ice hockey team, showcasing both their potential and areas for improvement on the Olympic stage. With the next C group game coming up, where Germany recently defeated Denmark, Latvia will need to build on their early resistance and strategize to better challenge their upcoming opponents.