"This is a brand new era for American hockey. There's not a single player with any previous Olympic experience. Stars like Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, and the Tkachuk brothers have built their reputation in the NHL and are ready to build their international hockey legacy on the biggest stage. The first challenge of the event will be taking on Latvia with puck drop at 3:10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The Americans are heavy favorites and should be able to pick up the victory relatively easily."
"Latvia has six current NHL players and 10 guys with NHL experience on its roster. Kaspars Daugavins, who last played in the NHL during the 2012-13 season, has been named captain for the tournament. Keep an eye on 18-year-old defenceman Alberts Smits, who is expected to be one of the top picks at this summer's NHL draft. One player who could swing things is Latvian goalie Arturs Silovs."
The USA men's hockey team opens the 2026 Winter Olympics against Latvia on Feb. 8, 2026 at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan. The Americans begin a three-game round-robin and seek their first Olympic gold in the event since 1980. The roster features NHL stars such as Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, and the Tkachuk brothers, yet contains no prior Olympic veterans. Latvia counters with six current NHL players and ten with NHL experience, led by captain Kaspars Daugavins. Eighteen-year-old defenceman Alberts Smits and goalie Arturs Silovs are notable Latvian threats.
Read at www.amny.com
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