In the men's Olympic ice hockey tournament held in Milan, Latvia faced a disappointing defeat against Sweden, with a score of 5-1, leading to their elimination from the competition. The match showcased Sweden's struggles throughout the tournament, but they managed to secure a place in the quarter-finals against powerhouse USA. Latvian player Alberts Smits, who plays for Jukurit in the SM-League, had a personal stake in the tournament and expressed his frustration with Latvia's early exit, especially given his performance where he totaled 0+2 points in four games.

Sweden's swift victory over Latvia ensured their progress into the quarter-finals, where they are set to face the heavily favored USA team. Notably, Latvia's tournament concluded abruptly, highlighting the challenges they faced, particularly during a pivotal 41-second stretch in the first period that significantly impacted the game. Swedish head coach Sam Hallam will now lead his team into a challenging match against one of the top contenders for the gold medal, making it crucial for them to address their earlier performance issues and refine their strategies.

Smits, who is considered one of the hottest defensive prospects ahead of the upcoming NHL draft, conveyed his disappointment through strong comments against the outcome of the match, reflecting the emotional toll that the tournament has taken on young athletes like him. His performance in the tournament could influence his draft stock, making the disappointment from Latvia's early exit all the more poignant as he looks towards his future in his hockey career.