The puck has officially dropped in Milan, and the 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey tournament wasted no time delivering drama. Slovakia stunned Finland in a true opening-day shocker, and Italy gave Sweden a serious scare. If Day 1 is any indication, we’re in for a tournament that’s going to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Today, all eyes turn to the United States as they open their Olympic campaign against Latvia. And if you’re a Columbus Blue Jackets fan, this one’s got a little extra spice. U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski and Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzļikins-NHL teammates-will find themselves on opposite sides of the ice, each trying to outduel the other on the world stage.
USA’s Preliminary Round Schedule: A Closer Look
February 12 - USA vs. Latvia
📍 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
🕒 *3:10 p.m.
ET on USA Network*
This one sets the tone. The Americans will look to establish their rhythm early, and Werenski will be key on the blue line-quarterbacking the power play, anchoring the defensive zone, and trying to solve a goaltender he knows all too well.
Merzļikins, for his part, thrives on the big stage. If he gets hot, Latvia could make this interesting in a hurry.
February 14 - USA vs. Denmark
📍 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
🕒 *3:10 p.m.
ET on USA Network*
Another familiar face shows up here-former Blue Jacket Oliver Bjorkstrand, now suiting up for Denmark. This matchup could be sneakily competitive. Denmark has a handful of NHL-caliber players and enough structure to cause headaches if the U.S. doesn’t bring its A-game.
February 15 - USA vs. Germany
📍 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
🕒 *3:10 p.m.
ET on USA Network*
This one has heavyweight potential. Germany features two of the best players in the tournament in Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider.
Draisaitl is a matchup nightmare-strong, skilled, and capable of taking over a game. Seider brings a physical edge and elite puck-moving ability from the back end.
The U.S. will need to be sharp across all 200 feet of ice.
What’s Next for Team USA?
If the Americans take care of business in the group stage, they’ll move into the knockout rounds with momentum. Here’s how the rest of the tournament could shape up for them:
- February 17 - Qualification Playoff (3:10 p.m. ET)
- February 18 - Quarterfinal (3:10 p.m. ET)
- February 20 - Semifinal (3:10 p.m. ET)
- February 21 - Bronze Medal Game (2:10 p.m. ET)
- February 22 - Gold Medal Game (8:10 a.m. ET)
Latvia’s Road Ahead
Latvia opens against the U.S. today, with Merzļikins carrying the hopes of a nation. He’s no stranger to high-pressure situations, and if he gets locked in, Latvia could be a tough out.
February 14 - Latvia vs. Germany
📍 Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
🕕 *6:10 a.m.
ET on CNBC*
This one’s a tall order. Germany is loaded with NHL talent-six players in total-and they’ll be looking to test Merzļikins early and often. Latvia will need to counter with disciplined defense and opportunistic offense.
February 15 - Latvia vs. Denmark
📍 Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
🕐 *1:10 p.m.
ET on CNBC*
This could be the pivotal game for Latvia’s hopes of advancing. Denmark brings six NHLers to the table, including Bjorkstrand, and both teams could be fighting for a qualification-round spot. Expect a tight, physical battle.
Latvia’s Potential Knockout Schedule
Depending on how the group stage shakes out, Latvia could be in action during any of the following:
- February 17 - Qualification Playoff (6:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m., or 3:10 p.m. ET)
- February 18 - Quarterfinal (6:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 12:10 p.m., or 3:10 p.m. ET)
- February 20 - Semifinal (10:40 a.m. or 3:10 p.m. ET)
- February 21 - Bronze Medal Game (2:40 p.m. ET)
- February 22 - Gold Medal Game (8:10 a.m. ET)
With Olympic bragging rights, national pride, and NHL friendships on the line, the 2026 tournament is already delivering the kind of storylines hockey fans live for. Werenski and Merzļikins may be teammates in Columbus, but today, they’re rivals in Milan. And that’s the beauty of Olympic hockey-where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, and anything can happen.