BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The U.S. Men’s Hockey Team cruised to victory in their Olympic opener with a 5-1 victory over Latvia.

Connecticut’s own Tage Thompson gave the team a 2-goal lead in the middle of the 2nd period.

The local ties to this year’s team go eleven deep between the roster and the coaching staff. The entire coaching staff led by head coach Mike Sullivan (Marshfield, Mass.) come from either Massachusetts or Rhode Island. The players representing New England include Matt Boldy (Millis, Mass.), Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.), Noah Hanifin (Norwood, Mass.), and Tage Thompsom (Orange, Conn.).

It does not end there as the team includes Boston Bruins’ players Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman.

The team’s next game will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 against Denmark. Puck-drop will be 3:10 p.m. EST.

NightSide with Dan Rea