Where To Watch Team USA vs. Latvia Men’s Hockey at 2026 Winter Olympics

The puck has officially dropped at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and the men’s ice hockey tournament is already delivering excitement for fans around the world.

Now, attention turns to one of the most anticipated early matchups of the tournament, Team USA vs. Latvia.

Where to Watch Team USA vs. Latvia Tonight

The United States opens preliminary-round play against Latvia on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Milano Santagiulia Arena in Milan.

• Start Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
• TV Broadcast (U.S.): USA Network

Fans will have multiple viewing options depending on location. TV Channels & Streaming Platforms Broadcasting the Game:

• Peacock – U.S. streaming service
• USA Network – American television broadcast
• ICI TOU.TV – French-language Canadian streaming platform
• CBC Gem – Canadian streaming service
• Sportsnet (SN) – Canada
• RDS – French-language Canadian sports channel

Whether you’re watching from the United States or Canada, there are plenty of ways to tune in.

Related: Team USA’s Jack Eichel, Dylan Larkin Make Their Feelings Clear Over State of Olympic Rink in Milan

What to Expect in USA vs. Latvia

Team USA enters the tournament with high expectations. The Americans are chasing their first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

One major storyline: NHL players are back at the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
The U.S. roster is stacked, consisting entirely of 25 NHL players, bringing elite talent and experience to Milan.

Latvia, however, should not be overlooked. The nation has proven it can compete on the Olympic stage. At the 2014 Sochi Games, Latvia defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the qualification round and pushed Canada to the limit in a narrow 2-1 quarterfinal loss. They play disciplined, physical hockey and thrive in underdog situations.

Latvia’s roster includes six NHL players. With Arturs Silovs expected to start in goal, Latvia will rely heavily on a strong defensive structure and opportunistic scoring.

Projected Team USA Lines

Forwards

• Brady Tkachuk – Jack Eichel – Matthew Tkachuk
• Jake Guentzel – Auston Matthews – Matt Boldy Kyle Connor – Dylan Larkin – Tage Thompson
• Jack Hughes – Brock Nelson / Vincent Trocheck – J.T. Miller

Defense

• Quinn Hughes – Charlie McAvoy
• Jaccob Slavin – Brock Faber
• Zach Werenski – Jake Sanderson
• Noah Hanifin – Vincent Trocheck

Goalie

• Connor Hellebuyck

With Hellebuyck between the pipes and an explosive forward group led by Matthews, Eichel, and the Tkachuk brothers, the U.S. brings both skill and grit into the matchup.

Projected Team Latvia Lines

Forwards

• Sandis Vilmanis – Zemgus Girgensons – Eduards Tralmaks
• Rihards Bukarts – Teddy Blueger – Rudolfs Balcers
• Renars Krastenbergs – Dans Locmelis – Kaspars Daugavins
• Roberts Bukarts – Oskars Batna – Martins Dzierkals

Defense

• Kristians Rubins – Uvis Balinskis
• Kristaps Zile – Janis Jaks
• Roberts Mamcics – Alberts Smits

Goalie

• Arturs Silovs

On paper, Team USA enters as the favorite with its NHL-loaded roster and championship expectations. But Olympic hockey has a history of surprises, and Latvia has built a reputation for punching above its weight on the international stage.

ALSO READ: 10 Youngest Hockey Players at 2026 Winter Olympics Ranked, Featuring Canada’s Macklin Celebrini

With NHL talent back in the Games and national pride on the line, this opening matchup promises intensity from the opening faceoff.