At Santaguila Ice Hockey Arena, Brock Nelson had two goals, while Tage Thompson, Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk each scored a goal for the Americans. Brothers Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes each had two assists, as did Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel. Also adding assists were Zach Werenski and Vincent Trocheck.

Team USA knows it will take everyone to contribute if it is to get where it wants to go at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Its championship formula was on full display in a 5-1 win against Latvia in the preliminary round opener for each team in Group C at Santagiulia Arena on Thursday.

Team USA skated to a 5-1 victory over Latvia in the Group C preliminary round opening tilt of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at Santagiulia Arena on Thursday.

Team USA launched their 2026 Winter Olympics campaign with a decisive 5-1 victory over Latvia. Despite early challenges, including two disallowed goals, the team rallied with a dominant second period.

There are some nations competing in these Winter Olympics that are shaking off the rust of international play and others that are just happy to be there. The United States is certainly neither, seeking revenge for its overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final and validation for their IIHF World Championship last year.

SportsLine's expert Mike Severance reveals his USA vs. Latvia picks for their Winter Olympics men's hockey matchup on Thursday

Team USA has begun play in the men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a dominant 5-1 win over Latvia. The Latvians held their own in the first period, getting to intermission tied 1-1 thanks to a pair of successful challenges that disallowed two U.

Team USA plays against Latvia in men's ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics today. Fans can watch this game for free online.