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.

Breakaway On SI was given exclusive insight into what kinds of food NHL players will be consuming at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

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.

Get up to speed with this handy guide to the fastest sport on ice.

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 United States men's and women's hockey teams are expected to go deep into the 2026 Winter Olympics tournaments.