Samuel Hlavaj, a goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, has been a standout performer for Slovakia in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite a difficult season in the AHL with a low save percentage of .884, Hlavaj has been exceptional in the tournament, stopping 93.2% of shots and allowing only 2.67 goals per game across three starts. He set a Slovak Olympic record with 46 saves in a game against Sweden and has been trusted to start in key matches, helping Slovakia reach the semifinals for the first time. Slovak defenseman Martin Fehervary praised him as their backbone, indicating his potential to succeed in the NHL. Meanwhile, Slovakia's men's hockey team has defied expectations, emerging from a tough pool to secure a spot in the medal round with a 6-2 victory over Germany. The team, featuring only seven NHL players, has been a surprise success, with Hlavaj playing a crucial role in their run. Other Olympic highlights include Mikaela Shiffrin winning her third Olympic gold medal in alpine skiing slalom, smashing the field by 1.5 seconds, ending her Olympic slump since 2018. American Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher secured silver in cross-country skiing team sprint relay, ending a 50-year medal drought for the U.S. in the event. In women's snowboard slopestyle, Murase Kokomo of Japan took gold, while Xu Mengtao of China defended her title in aerials. The Olympics also featured dramatic moments in curling, with Britain leading the U.S., and record-breaking performances in skiing and snowboarding. Overall, the event showcased remarkable athletic achievements and surprises, highlighting the resilience and talent of athletes worldwide.