Over this past weekend, three countries would punch their tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy after winning their qualifier matchups. Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia will join Canada, United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The current question mark is who the 12th and final entry will be as the IIHF decides on whether Russia will be eligible to participate. If they are not eligible, then France will be next in line.
LATVIA
Latvia would be the first country to qualify Sunday, after blowing out France by a 5-2 score. France got out to an early lead courtesy of Charles Bertan just 21 seconds into the game. Latvia however, would take charge moments later, scoring two goals in an 8-minute span to go into the intermission up 2-1.
In the second frame, it was all Latvia as they took complete control of the game, receiving goals from Rodrigo Abols, Martin Dzierkals and Kristians Rubins.
France would add a goal late in the final period, but it was already Latvia’s win, and their ticket booked to Milano Cortina.
DENMARK
A battle between two Scandinavian countries saw world ranked #11 Denmark and world ranked #12 Norway go head-to-head.
Just 26 seconds in, Minnesota Wild forward Mats Zuccarello would put Norway ahead and for much of the game they were in control while Denmark looked nervous.
It was not until late in the second period that Denmark would get the equalizer, as Niklas Jensen found the back of the net. Then, less than two minutes later it was Jensen again scoring to the joy of the Danish fans, whose faces went from agony to ecstasy in a matter of minutes.
In the final period, Patrick Russell would score for Denmark off a rebound to give them a 3-1 lead and some breathing room. Norway would pull their goalie late and apply pressure, but it would be Russell again finding the net to book Denmark’s trip to the Games in less than 18 months.
SLOVAKIA
The Bronze medal winners from 2022 Slovakia were the strongest team heading into the qualifiers and had a point to prove. Missing some of their notable stars who are preparing for NHL training camps, Slovakia still showed their depth to defeat Kazakhstan by a 3-1 score.
Robert Lantosi would score on the powerplay to put the Slovaks up in the first period before Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavol Regenda doubled their lead shortly after. Slovakia controlled much of the game and went up 3-0 off a goal from Adam Liska. Kazakhstan would get on the board in the third period, but the Slovaks were too strong and powered to victory, qualifying for their eighth consecutive Winter Olympics.