Checkers Forward Sandis Vilmanis Named to Latvia Olympic Roster for 2026 Winter Games

The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation announced Charlotte Checkers forward Sandis Vilmanis to Team Latvia's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday. The 21-year-old becomes the first active Checkers player chosen to compete in the Winter Games.

"I feel incredibly proud to be selected to represent my national team, especially on the Olympic stage," said Sandis Vilmanis, according to a team press release. "I hope to make my country very proud and do my best out there."

The Riga native is in his second season as a North American hockey pro. He's racked up 19 points with eight goals and 11 assists in 31 games this season with Charlotte.

Across his time with the squad, Sandis Vilmanis has skated in 92 total games and recorded 46 points. His 17 career goals pair with 29 assists during his stint in the American Hockey League.

Florida Panthers selected him in the fifth round, 157th overall, in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He's worn Latvia's colors three times at the World Junior Championships from 2022 to 2024.

"I've had a lot of time to learn from the players in Charlotte over the last two years," Sandis Vilmanis said. "I'm very thankful for that and for the coaches for allowing me to earn their trust. I feel more confident in every game I go out there on the ice."

Two former Olympians are on Charlotte's current roster. Forward Nate Smith represented the United States in 2022, while assistant coach Bobby Sanguinetti competed for the United States in 2018.

Several former Checkers players will suit up for their countries at the upcoming games. Uvis Balinskis will play for Latvia, Gustav Forsling for Sweden, and Eetu Luostarinen for Finland.

The men's hockey schedule will begin on Feb. 11. Latvia opens tournament play against the United States on Feb. 12.

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Italy from Feb. 6-22. The AHL does not take an Olympic break, unlike the NHL.