Which countries are performing the best at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

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.

In January, Vilmanis, 21, earned a spot on Latvia's Olympic team. Days later, he reached another milestone with his NHL debut for the Panthers. Now he's preparing to showcase Latvia's maroon and white jersey on the world's biggest stage.

Nine Florida Panthers players are heading to Milan to represent their home countries in the Winter Olympics, marking the first time professional hockey players will compete in the Games in more than a decade.

The Winter Olympics are underway as the world’s best athletes traveled to Italy to participate in Milano Cortina 2026! For the first time in 12 years, NHL players will represent their home countries at this pinnacle event.