The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation announced today that Checkers forward Sandis Vilmanis has been named to Team Latvia’s roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
The men’s hockey schedule will begin on February 11, with Latvia opening tournament play against the United States on February 12.
"I feel incredibly proud to be selected to represent my national team, especially on the Olympic stage," Vilmanis said. "I hope to make my country very proud and do my best out there."
Vilmanis, 21, has recorded 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 31 games this season with the Checkers. The Riga native is in the midst of his second professional campaign, both with Charlotte, and has appeared in 92 total games, registering 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists).
“I’ve had a lot of time to learn from the players in Charlotte over the last two years. 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.”
Selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Vilmanis has represented his country three times in the World Junior Championships (2022, 2023, 2024).
Vilmanis' selection marks the first time an active Checkers player has been named to the Winter Olympics. Charlotte’s current roster features two former Olympians: forward Nate Smith (USA, 2022) and assistant coach Bobby Sanguinetti (USA, 2018). Several former Checkers have been named to represent their countries at the upcoming games, including Uvis Balinskis (Latvia), Gustav Forsling (Sweden) and Eetu Luostarinen (Finland).
The Charlotte Checkers (18-11-2-0) dropped their second game in a row as the Cleveland Monsters (15-11-4-1) skated away with a 3-1 win at Rocket Arena on Monday night.
The Florida Panthers have recalled defenseman Tobias Bjornfot from the Checkers.
Bjornfot, 24, has recorded one goal and six assists in 23 games this season with the Checkers, along with a plus-six rating. The Vaspy, SWE, native has appeared in 134 NHL games in his career, logging 15 points (one goal, 14 assists).
The Panthers recalled Bjornfot earlier this season on October 13, but he did not appear in a game during his two-week stint before being assigned to Charlotte.
The Charlotte Checkers (18-10-2-0) had their four-game winning streak snapped as the Cleveland Monsters (14-11-4-1) picked up a 6-3 victory at Rocket Arena on Saturday night.
