Uvis Balinskis Named Alternate Captain for Latvia Ahead of 2026 Olympic Opener
Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis is set to take on a major leadership role for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, earning the “A” as one of the team’s alternate captains. At 29 years old, Balinskis brings not just NHL experience to the table, but also the poise and maturity of a player stepping into his second Olympic Games.
In his first Olympic appearance, Balinskis notched three assists in four games - a solid showing that hinted at his ability to impact the game from the back end. This time around, expectations are even higher. As one of the few players on the Latvian roster with NHL experience, he’s being counted on to anchor the blue line and help set the tone for a team looking to punch above its weight on the international stage.
Early practices have given us a glimpse of how Latvia plans to deploy its top defensive unit, with Balinskis skating on the first pairing alongside Kristians Rubins. Rubins, who currently plays for HC Plzen in the Czech Extraliga, brings his own pedigree to the pairing.
The 28-year-old has logged 187 games in the AHL and made a brief appearance in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Together, Balinskis and Rubins are expected to log big minutes in all situations - even strength, penalty kill, power play - you name it.
This duo will be leaned on heavily, not just for their defensive reliability but also for their ability to transition the puck and contribute offensively when the opportunity arises. Latvia may not have the depth of the tournament’s powerhouses, but with experienced players like Balinskis and Rubins leading the charge, they’ll be a tough out.
Joining Balinskis as an alternate captain is Zemgus Girgensons, the 32-year-old forward who’s been a staple in the NHL with over 800 games under his belt. Girgensons brings a gritty, two-way game and a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in high-pressure Olympic matchups. The captaincy goes to veteran forward Kaspars Daugaviņš, who, at 37, is preparing for his fourth Olympic appearance - a remarkable feat that speaks to his enduring presence in Latvian hockey.
Latvia opens its tournament on Thursday against a star-studded Team USA, led by Matthew Tkachuk. It’s a tall order, but Latvia has shown in recent years that it can hang with the big boys when it brings discipline, structure, and a little bit of edge. With Balinskis helping lead the way, don’t be surprised if they make some noise.