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.

The Blue Jackets goaltender has been a longtime member of the national team, but his first Olympics is the opportunity of a lifetime

With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games kicking off, THW ranks the 12 qualifying countries for the biggest men's hockey tournament in years.

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,

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

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.