The United States and Latvia face off in this Group C men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Thursday.

Columbus Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins make Olympic debuts on opposite sides in commanding U.S. victory over Latvia.

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond continued his impressive start to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Latvia’s Teddy Blueger tried to make a pass out of his defensive zone, but the puck hit the skates of Nylander and went to the stick of Sweden teammate Joel Eriksson Ek, whose shot on goal hit Kempe’s right skate and went in for a 1-0 lead at 10:55.

Two teams with differing expectations meet in the first round of the knockout stage, as Lucas Raymond and Sweden take on Latvia in the men’s playoff qualifiers at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Team USA's quest for its first Olympic men's hockey gold since 1980 began against Latvia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, with the B/R staff on hand to deliver live analysis and reaction.

SportsLine's expert Mike Severance reveals his USA vs. Latvia picks for their Winter Olympics men's hockey matchup on Thursday

It’s been quite the ride for Panthers rookie Sandis Vilmanis. On Jan. 10, the 2022 fifth-round pick made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators. A month later, he was with Latvia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Follow along for scores, live updates, and highlights as Team USA hockey takes on Latvia in the group stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The U.S. men’s ice hockey team plays its first game of the Milan Cortina Olympics on Thursday in a showdown against Latvia.

The game is airing on both USA Network and Peacock.

Denmark and Latvia face off in this Group A men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.