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In 1980, a group of college kids in Lake Placid performed a “Miracle on Ice” that ignited a hockey revolution across the United States, inspiring a generation of children to trade their baseball mitts for skates. Now, 46 years later, that legacy has culminated in a roster widely considered the greatest in American history.

Starting Thursday, Team USA steps onto the ice in Milan for its 2026 Olympic opener against Latvia, the first of three matchups in Group A. The mission is clear: finally bridge the nearly half-century gap since Lake Placid and secure gold on foreign soil.

STREAM: Watch USA vs. Latvia LIVE on Peacock

Team USA carries not only a long Olympic drought but also recent heartbreak. Before arriving in Milan, this group faced its first major test at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston and Montreal. It was the first “best-on-best” international tournament in nearly a decade, and the U.S. came up a goal short of gold as Connor McDavid scored the overtime winner to give rival Canada the title on U.S. soil. Now, 21 of those 25 players return to the squad in Milan looking for revenge.

Led by captain Auston Matthews, the most prolific American goal scorer in modern history, this roster features a rare blend of star power and grit, anchored by the disruptive Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady. The blue line is headlined by Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes and supported by a mobile defensive unit that many consider the deepest ever assembled for Team USA. Between the pipes, the Americans boast an embarrassment of riches, with reigning Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck leading a trio of world-class goaltenders.

The talent is there. Now, it’s time for Team USA to deliver results.

The quest for gold starts Thursday against Latvia. Follow along for updates as the Stars and Stripes take the ice for Game 1.

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer’s guide | Day-by-day schedule

USA vs. Latvia hockey score

USA vs. Latvia live updates, highlights from 2026 Olympic men’s hockey game

1:20 p.m.: On the other side, Latvia has one of the most talked about players in the tournament in Alberts Šmits.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 200 pounds, Šmits is currently the youngest player in the men’s hockey tournament. He is a high-profile prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, where he is projected to be a top pick. Before joining the Olympic squad in Italy, he led the Latvian team at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota, where he led the team in ice time.

Alberts Smits sera à surveiller avec la Lettonie! 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/HqLQGGUaTx

— Le 5 à 7 (@5a7RDS) February 11, 2026

Despite his age, he’s already playing professionally in the Finnish Liiga for Jukurit, and Latvian veterans — including goalie Kristers Gudļevskis — have praised his “calm confidence” on the ice.

12:50 p.m.: In goal for the stars and stripes: two-time reigning Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.

It’s Hellebuyck’s net tonight! 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/cL8OCa32qj

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

12:45 p.m.: Team USA is on-site in Milan.

Rolling into game one in style 😎 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/l0AOTQoFM6

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

Puck drop is less than three hours away.

12:10 p.m.: The day has finally come, with Team USA opening up its Olympic campaign against Latvia at 3:10 p.m.

After all the buildup, team bonding and soaking in the #WinterOlympics experience, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team is ready to turn the page and get down to business starting today at 3:10 p.m. ET against Latvia.

Feature story: https://t.co/fJrasn23ZW pic.twitter.com/fdLGXb0ZVk

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

The Americans look to bring home gold for the first time since 1980, and it starts with three Group C games.

How to watch USA vs. Latvia

USA vs. Latvia start time

• Date: Feb. 12
• Time: 3:10 p.m. ET

The United States starts its Olympic campaign on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 3:10 p.m. ET from the Milano Santagiulia IHO arena.

What channel is USA vs. Latvia on?

• TV channel: NBC (U.S.), CBC (Canada)
• Live stream: Peacock (U.S.), CBC Gem (Canada)

The USA vs. Latvia preliminary round matchup will be broadcast nationally on NBC in the United States and on CBC in Canada. The game will also be live streamed on Peacock.

Olympic men’s hockey schedule 2026

Thursday, Feb. 12

Friday, Feb. 13

Saturday, Feb. 14

Sunday, Feb. 15

Knockout Stage

The top four teams (the three group winners plus the best second-place team) receive a bye. The remaining eight teams play in the Qualification Round.

Gemini said

As requested, here is the complete 2026 Men’s Olympic hockey schedule with the knockout stage table formatted without bold text.

Wednesday, Feb. 11 (Opening Day)

Thursday, Feb. 12

Friday, Feb. 13

Saturday, Feb. 14

Sunday, Feb. 15

Knockout Stage