U.S. Routs Latvia in Olympic Hockey Opener

Brock Nelson scores twice to lead the Americans to a 5-1 victory in Milan.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. men's hockey team scored four unanswered goals to defeat Latvia 5-1 in their Olympic opener in Milan. Brock Nelson, whose grandfather and uncle both played for Team USA in previous Olympics, scored two goals for the Americans. The U.S. outshot Latvia 38-18 and overcame having two early goals overturned by successful challenges.

Why it matters

The U.S. men's hockey team is looking to win its first Olympic gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" team in 1980. This opening game victory over Latvia sets the Americans up well to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially end their 46-year Olympic gold medal drought.

The details

The U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the first period, but Latvia tied the game shortly after. However, the Americans then scored four unanswered goals to pull away. Brock Nelson, 34, scored twice for the U.S., continuing his family's Olympic hockey legacy. The Americans had two early goals overturned due to successful challenges, but they kept their composure and continued to pressure Latvia, outshooting them 38-18.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 13, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

The players

Brock Nelson

A 34-year-old forward for the Colorado Avalanche, making his Olympic debut. His grandfather and uncle both previously played for the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who played in the game for the U.S. team.

Matthew Tkachuk

A forward for the Florida Panthers who played in the game for the U.S. team.

Brady Tkachuk

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who played in the game for the U.S. team. He is the brother of Matthew Tkachuk.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, who also serves as the head coach of the New York Rangers.

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What they’re saying

“It's just an unbelievable experience. I'm trying to soak it all in.”

— Brock Nelson (latimes.com)

“Yeah, that was frustrating. But at the same time, you're still getting the goals even though they got overturned. You're doing the work to put the puck in the net, and I think that helps your confidence a little bit. After they get overturned, you've just got to put it out of your mind and continue to play the same way.”

— Zach Werenski, defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets (latimes.com)

“From the second period on, we just wanted to make sure someone was at the net at all times. They were playing pretty tight, but with the skill and puck possession and strength that we have, we knew we were going to win some battles.”

— Matthew Tkachuk, forward, Florida Panthers (latimes.com)

“To make this roster is extremely difficult when you look at the amount of talent that the United States has developed and can play at this level.”

— Mike Sullivan, head coach, U.S. Olympic hockey team (latimes.com)

“I'm just kind of a little example of the support you have back at home. So you're playing in front of millions of millions of Americans, and you just want to represent them well, and it's always an honor to put this jersey on.”

— Brady Tkachuk, forward, Ottawa Senators (latimes.com)

What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team will next face China on Saturday, February 15th as they continue their quest for Olympic gold.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team's dominant opening victory over Latvia demonstrates their depth of talent and ability to overcome adversity, setting them up as a top contender for the Olympic gold medal that has eluded them for over four decades.