A Crucial Early‑Morning Clash
The United States men's hockey team, the reigning world champion, entered the 2026 IIHF tournament with a modest start, sitting fourth in Group A with five points after a shootout victory over Germany.
On Saturday, May 23, the Americans will take the ice at 6:20 a.m. Eastern Time in Zurich, Switzerland, facing a Latvian side that occupies seventh place with three points.
A regulation win would push the U.S. tally to eight points, all but guaranteeing a spot in the knockout round, while a Latvian triumph would reshuffle the standings and keep the race wide open.
The Americans have already shown they can grind out results, having edged Germany in a dramatic shootout in their most recent outing, a performance that bolstered confidence heading into the Swiss encounter.
Beyond Latvia, the U.S. still has matches scheduled against Austria and Hungary to complete the preliminary round, making each point vital as the team aims to defend its title.
Fans can catch the game live on the NHL Network, with streaming options available through Fubo and select tiers of Sling, ensuring coverage for viewers across the United States.