Denmark, Slovakia, Latvia secure spots in 2026 Milan Olympic hockey

Denmark, Slovakia, and Latvia have successfully qualified for the men's hockey tournament at the upcoming 2026 Milan Olympics. Each team showcased their skills by winning all three of their qualification round games held on home ice. Denmark secured their spot with a decisive 4-1 victory over Norway, while Slovakia triumphed against Kazakhstan with a score of 3-1. Latvia also performed well, defeating France 5-2, demonstrating their readiness for the international stage. The qualification process saw these teams join a competitive field that already includes hockey powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Germany, Switzerland, and host nation Italy. The participation of NHL players adds an exciting dimension to the tournament, as their presence elevates the level of competition. A significant concern remains regarding Russia's potential participation due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation are yet to make a decision on this matter. Should Russia be barred from competing, Norway would qualify as the highest-ranked second-place finisher from the qualification tournaments. Denmark's roster featured notable NHL talent, including goaltender Frederik Andersen and forwards Nikolaj Ehlers and Lars Eller, who played pivotal roles in their victories. Slovakia aims to defend their bronze medal from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, despite missing key players. Latvia's performance was bolstered by contributions from Uvis Balinskis and Rodrigo Abols, showcasing the depth of talent in these qualifying teams.