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.

Recapping from the final day of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which included a historic gold medal victory for the U.S. men's hockey team.

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.

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.

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

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.

It’s been a long time coming for Latvia. They stunned Germany, 4-3, in men’s hockey on Saturday, marking their first win in the competition at a Winter Olympics since 2014, when they beat Switzerland.

It’s a bit of a shock that Sweden is playing on Tuesday, but a lackluster showing in the group stage doomed the Swedes, causing them to miss out on a bye to the quarterfinals. The result is a qualifying round showdown against Latvia,

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