Latvian ice hockey coach Vītoliņš recently shared his thoughts on the recently concluded Olympic Games in Milan, describing the event as the largest hockey spectacle in the past 12 years, primarily due to the presence of NHL stars. He remarked on the fantastic emotions experienced during the games, grateful for the opportunity to witness big names in the sport and to engage with other coaches in a less formal environment, contrasting this with the isolated experiences typically found during world championships.

During his time at the Olympics, Vītoliņš found that every player made their best effort, and while some performed better than others, there were no indifferent players. This collective dedication exhibited by his team brought a sense of pride, although the coach also expressed feelings of bitterness regarding missed opportunities throughout the tournament. Despite these feelings, the joy of unity among players and coaches was a significant highlight for him.

Vītoliņš highlighted his interactions with coaches from various countries, including Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark, noting that such exchanges are typically difficult to arrange during world championships due to the isolated nature of the events. He appreciated the vibrant atmosphere at the Olympics where collaboration and camaraderie were encouraged, allowing for a more enriching experience away from the pressures of competitive hockey coaching.