Latvia has officially announced the first six players who will represent the nation at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. This announcement marks a significant step as the ice hockey world prepares for the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014. The men's ice hockey tournament is scheduled to take place from February 11 to February 22, 2026.
The six players named to the preliminary roster are:
- Rodrigo Abols (Forward): The 29-year-old from Riga, who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers, had five points (two goals, three assists) in 22 games this season, his first in the NHL. Abols has represented Latvia at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, scoring two points in four games. He has also competed in eight IIHF World Championships.
- Uvis Balinskis (Defenseman): Balinskis, 28, from Ventspils, has accumulated 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 102 NHL games with the Florida Panthers over the past two seasons. He also played for Latvia at the 2022 Olympics, contributing three assists in four games, and has participated in five World Championships.
- Teddy Blueger (Forward): With seven NHL seasons under his belt, the 30-year-old Riga native has 152 points (49 goals, 103 assists) in 418 games. This season, playing for the Vancouver Canucks, he recorded 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 82 games. Blueger has also competed in multiple World Championships for Latvia.
- Zemgus Girgensons (Forward): Girgensons, 30, from Riga, played for the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, recording 8 points (3 goals and 5 assists) in 36 games. He has 202 points (92 goals, 110 assists) in 725 career NHL games. He has represented Latvia at the World Championships seven times.
- Elvis Merzlikins (Goalie): The 31-year-old from Riga has played for the Columbus Blue Jackets since 2019, recording a 94-100-35 record with a 3.20 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage, and 11 shutouts in 244 NHL games. Merzlikins represented Latvia at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, posting a 4-2 record with a 1.49 GAA and a .940 save percentage.
- Arturs Silovs (Goalie): Silovs, 23, from Riga, posted a 7-9-2 record with a 2.74 GAA and .907 save percentage in 19 games for the Vancouver Canucks this season. He also led Latvia to a historic bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship, earning him the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
The selection of these players underscores Latvia's commitment to fielding a competitive team. The inclusion of NHL players like Merzlikins and Blueger brings a wealth of experience and skill to the roster, enhancing Latvia's chances in the tournament.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will feature 12 teams, divided into three groups. Latvia is placed in Group C alongside the United States, Germany, and Denmark. The tournament will be held at two main venues: the new 14,000-capacity Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the 5,700-capacity Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.
The announcement of these first six players is just the beginning, with the remaining roster spots to be filled later in the year. Hockey fans around the world anticipate the full team announcements as the excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Marty Walsh, the NHLPA Executive Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage.
