Latvia has officially announced its men's ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. The team is composed of a mix of NHL players and talented professionals from various leagues across the globe.
Latvia finds itself in Group C, where they will face formidable opponents including the United States, Germany, and Denmark. The quest for a playoff berth begins on February 12 when Latvia takes on the United States. They will then continue the group stage against Germany on February 14, and Denmark on February 15. The playoff rounds are scheduled to commence on February 17.
The roster is as follows:
Forwards:
- Rodrigo Abols (Philadelphia Flyers, NHL)
- Rudolfs Balcers (ZSC Lions, Champions HL)
- Oskars Batna (Pelicans, Liiga)
- Teddy Blueger (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
- Roberts Bukarts (Pioneers Vorarlberg, ICEHL)
- Kaspars Daugavins (EC Kassel Huskies, DEL2)
- Martins Dzierkals (HC Sparta Praha, Champions HL)
- Haralds Egle (HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia)
- Zemgus Girgensons (Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL)
- Renars Krastenbergs (HC Olomouc, Czechia)
- Dans Locmelis (Providence Bruins, AHL)
- Eriks Mateiko (Hershey Bears, AHL)
- Eduards Tralmaks (Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL)
- Sandis Vilmanis (Charlotte Checkers, AHL)
Defensemen:
- Uvis Balinskis (Florida Panthers, NHL)
- Oskars Cibulskis (Herning Blue Fox, Denmark)
- Ralfs Freibergs (HC Vitkovice, Czechia)
- Janis Jaks (HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia)
- Roberts Mamcics (HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia)
- Kristians Rubins (HC Plzen, Czechia)
- Alberts Smits (Jukurit, Liiga)
- Kristaps Zile (Bili Tygri Liberec, Czechia)
Goaltenders:
- Kristers Gudlevskis (Fischtown Pinguins, DEL)
- Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
- Arturs Silovs (Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL)
With the tournament set to begin on February 11th, Latvia will face the United States on February 12th. Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs expressed his confidence in the team, emphasizing the importance of preparation.
Sandis Vilmanis of the Charlotte Checkers also shared his pride in being selected to represent his country on the Olympic stage. He also acknowledged the important role his team played in his development, expressing gratitude towards his coaches for their trust in him. Vilmanis's selection marks a historic moment, as he is the first active Checkers player to be named to the Winter Olympics. The Checkers' current roster includes former Olympians Nate Smith and Bobby Sanguinetti.
Latvia's best finish in the Olympic tournament was in Sochi 2014, where they reached the quarterfinals. This year marks the return of NHL players to represent Latvia at the Olympics since then.
