Monday, June 16, is the day when all 12 participating ice hockey federations will announce the initial six players proposed to their preliminary rosters for the men’s ice hockey tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Throughout the day, IIHF.com will be updated with the announcements from each federation.
Listed below are the players who were announced so far:
- Latvia: Rodrigo Abols, Uvis Balinskis, Zemguss Girgensons, Elviss Merzlikins, Artūrs Šilovs, Teodors Blugers
The announcement is made in cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Milano Cortina 2026 represents an important moment in ice hockey history. For the first time in 12 years, NHL players will participate in the Olympic Winter Games, heightening the anticipation among athletes, fans, media, and organizers alike.
“We are thrilled to welcome NHL players back to the Winter Olympics. For the IIHF, this is a major step in showcasing ice hockey at its highest level on the world stage. Fans in Milano Cortina and around the globe can look forward to world-class competition and unforgettable moments. This return strengthens our partnership with the NHL, NHLPA and IOC, and we are excited for what’s ahead. I can’t wait for the Games to begin,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“The National Hockey League is looking forward with great excitement to the hockey tournament at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games,’’ NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “As was demonstrated so vividly at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, there are few competitions in all of international sports that can match the passion, talent and spectacle of NHL Players representing their countries in a best-on-best tournament. We know that the presence of the Players named today, and the many more NHL stars who will join them, will make for a memorable Olympic men’s hockey tournament in February.”
“The naming of the initial players to their country’s Olympic Winter Games men’s hockey team marks a powerful return to Olympic competition, something our players have long championed,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “Building off…
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