The most prominent Latvia-born players to reach the NHL are defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, who helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 1996 and played 875 games in 15 NHL seasons, and goalie Arturs Irbe, who had 218 wins and 33 shutouts in 13 seasons.

Team USA arrives in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics with a formidable defensive unit, aiming for gold after a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off and a World Championship victory. Key defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski lead the charge,

Before Olympic hockey begins, a few NHL stars took a moment to share their dream alternate sports.

The 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament officially begins on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the preliminary rounds, and it's shaping up to be an intense run of games between 12 teams. What makes the 2026 Olympics stand of is that it brings the return of NHL players,

NHL stars have landed in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This marks the league's return after a 12-year break. Players from top nations like Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland are preparing for the tournament.

The 2026 Winter Olympics is in full flow in Milano Cortina and The Athletic is here to take you every step of the way. We’ve got you covered through all the week’s events at the games from ice hockey to curling, as well as the weekend’s NBA All-Star game, with plenty more to enjoy in between.

Here's where to catch every live event and re-airing as it happens.

Charlie McAvoy was named an alternate for Team USA, while David Pastrnak earned the same honor for Team Czechia. Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews will captain the Americans. Roman Červenka, who plays in the Czech league, will be the captain.

Team USA's NHL players are staying in the Olympic Village for the 2026 Winter Games, but concerns over a Norovirus outbreak could alter their living arrangements. AP