Abbotsford Canucks players head to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

/ Uncategorized / By

It’s set to be a Valentine’s Day to remember for Abbotsford Canucks forwards Anri Ravinskis and Lukas Reichel.

The duo are forgoing chocolates, flowers and candlelit dinners in exchange for the biggest hockey tournament in the world at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Ravinskis and Team Latvia take on Reichel and Team Germany in a crucial Group C game that day, which could determine playoff seeding. The pair are the first-ever Abbotsford Canucks to compete at the Olympics.

Ravinskis was not initially named to the Latvian team and was added as an injury replacement last month. He said it’s a privilege to get the opportunity to play on the sport’s biggest stage.

“The excitement is really high,” he said. “It’s a big honour to represent my country. I’m really proud of Latvia, as everyone know we’re not the biggest country but the hockey level for us is really high. I’m really happy and can’t wait to go there.”

Latvia enters the tournament ranked 10th for men’s hockey by the International Ice Hockey Federation. They earned a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships and advanced to the quarterfinal round at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Ravinskis was not originally named to the team, but was added as a replacement last month.

“When you’re not on the main roster there’s nothing good about that, but I told myself I’m young and I’ll get another chance,” he said of his initial reaction. “But at the same time I knew hockey is a game of injuries – and I wasn’t hoping for someone to get injured – but I knew there would be a chance I might be the next guy.”

He explained because Latvia is a smaller country that he is already familiar with many players on the roster. Ravinskis said he’s friends with fellow young talent like Sandis Vilmanis (Florida Panthers), Dans Locmelis (AHL’s Providence Bruins) and Eduards Tralmaks (AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins).

Latvian hockey products that Abbotsford Canucks fans are very aware of include Calder Cup champion and former Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs, as well as current Canucks forward Teddy Blueger. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets is another top name for Latvia.

Ravinskis said it will not be easy for Latvia, but upsets are always possible in a short tournament. Group C also consists of the USA and Denmark.

“This tournament is literally the best of the best and there are no bad teams,” he said. “We’re known for being underdogs, but at the same time I think everyone is kind of scared of us. We play like hungry dogs, we play till the last whistle and we put our bodies on the line.”

He said playing against Reichel will be fun, but that when the puck is dropped the battle is on.

“We’re good friends right now, but when we hit the ice it’s two separated teams and it’s one guy against the other,” he said, chuckling. “I’m excited to play against him to show him and I’m sure he’s the same way.”

Ravinskis is in the midst of this rookie season in Abbotsford and has three points in 27 games. The 23-year-old played professionally in Finland and suited up in the QMJHL before signing in Abbotsford last summer. He said his game is rounding into form with the Canucks.

“Personally it has been a bit of a roller coaster this season coming off of surgery – that was a challenge for me mentally and physically,” he said. “My body felt a bit off for the first half and I was struggling in some aspects. But the last month I’ve started to feel really good, use my size and speed more and I feel like I’ve gained the trust a bit more from Manny [Malhotra, Abbotsford head coach].”

The journey to the German team was a bit different for Reichel, who was one of the first six players named to the Olympic roster in June. He joined Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Tim Stutzle (Ottawa Senators), Nico Sturm (Minnesota Wild), Mortiz Seider (Detroit Red Wings) and Phillip Grubauer (Seattle Kraken) on that preliminary roster announcement.

Reichel is also a second-generation Olympic athlete as he is following in the footsteps of his father Martin Reichel, who suited up for the German hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics. His uncle Robert Reichel won gold with the Czech Republic hockey team at the 1998 Winter Olympics.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m going to try and enjoy every moment,” he said. “My dad said it was probably the best time in his career.”

Germany enters the tournament ranked eighth in the world and Reichel said this might be the best German team ever – but success won’t be easy.

“I feel like we have lots of talent and a good mix with younger and older players, but it’s going to be about how quickly we’re able to bring that out on the ice because there’s not a lot of time to practice,” he said. “All of these other teams are really good too, so it’s about trying to get some chemistry quickly and gain confidence.”

He said the game against Latvia is an important one for both teams and he may even have some trash talk for his Abbotsford teammate.

“Maybe we will talk a little bit on the draw,” he said, laughing. “But it’ll be fun to play against each other and against all the other teams. It’s a tournament for everyone to show what they can bring because it’s such a big stage.”

It’s been a wild season in North America for Reichel, who was traded to Vancouver by the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 24, 2025. After 14 games in Vancouver he was sent to Abbotsford and has collected 10 points in 19 games. Just like Ravinskis, Reichel’s game has improved recently and he has three goals in his last three games.

“I tried to fit in as quick as possible and maybe it took a little bit, but I feel more comfortable now,” he said of his time in Abbotsford. “It’s never easy – especially mentally – getting traded and then sent down. But I’m feeling more confident now and I want to play that same way at the Olympics.”

Ravinskis and Reichel head to Italy on Friday (Feb. 6) morning. The men’s hockey tournament opens on Feb. 12, with Latvia taking on the USA and Germany battling Denmark. Ravinskis and Reichel play each other on Feb. 14 and both teams close the preliminary round with Germany playing USA and Latvia facing Denmark on Feb. 15.

The men’s hockey gold medal game is set for Feb. 22.