USA Dominates Latvia 5-1 in 2026 Winter Olympics Men's Hockey Opener

Team USA Kicks Off Olympic Campaign with Strong Win

The United States men's ice hockey team commenced its Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics journey with a commanding 5-1 victory over Latvia on February 12, 2026. The Group C preliminary round match, held at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, saw Team USA assert its dominance after a tightly contested opening period.

This game marked the highly anticipated return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games, bringing a star-studded lineup to the tournament.

Early Challenge and American Breakthrough

The first period proved to be a test for the American squad, as Latvia managed to keep the score tied at 1-1. Team USA had two potential goals overturned due to successful coach's challenges by Latvia, highlighting the early intensity of the contest. Latvia's lone goal came from Renars Krastenbergs.

However, the United States found its rhythm in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals to take a commanding lead. Head Coach Mike Sullivan's team maintained control throughout the remainder of the game, outshooting Latvia significantly with a final count of 38-18.

Key Performances and Goal Scorers

Brock Nelson emerged as a standout performer for Team USA, netting two goals in the victory. Other goal scorers for the Americans included Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson, and captain Auston Matthews, who sealed the win with the final goal of the game. The team also capitalized on its power play opportunities, converting on two goals with the man advantage.

Assists were widely distributed among the American forwards and defensemen, with notable contributions from:

• Jack Hughes (2 assists)
• Quinn Hughes (2 assists)
• Matthew Tkachuk (2 assists)
• Jack Eichel (2 assists)
• Zach Werenski
• Vincent Trocheck

Latvia's starting goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, faced a barrage of shots before being relieved by Arturs Silovs in the third period. Kaspars Daugavins served as Latvia's captain for the match.

Looking Ahead

The United States, placed in Group C alongside Latvia, Germany, and Denmark, will continue its preliminary round schedule against Denmark on February 14. Latvia, whose best Olympic finish was eighth place in 2014, will look to regroup in their subsequent matches. This opening victory sets a strong tone for Team USA's pursuit of an Olympic gold medal in Milan.