Arturs Kulda last played in the NHL in 2012 for the Winnipeg Jets. He was drafted in 2006 by the franchise but never really caught on in North America. With 15 total games played in the NHL, Kulda was one of the few Latvians in Sochi that brought that experience to his national team.

Kulda’s impact for Latvia was minimal, though they were a surprise winner in the medal round over a significantly more seasoned Switzerland squad. The 26-year old defenseman left his most significant mark of the tournament when he put a hard check on Canada’s John Tavares.

The hit buckled Tavares' knee, tearing his meniscus and his MCL. The injury will require surgery and ends Tavares’ tournament and (mercifully) his NHL season with the New York Islanders. New York’s GM Garth Snow, obviously frustrated over losing his franchise player for the season lashed out by jumping on the anti-NHL in the Olympics bandwagon.

"Are the IIHF or IOC going to reimburse our season ticket holders now? It's a joke. They want all the benefits from NHL players in Olympics and don't want to pay when our best player gets hurt."

Arthur Staple-Newsday

Though the Canadians are ridiculously deep at the center position, Tavares’ is in the Sidney Crosby stratosphere talent-wise and will be sorely missed in the Sunday gold medal showdown with Sweden. It had already been a frustrating tournament for Tavares. He had not put his name on the score sheet through four games, but had been a dangerous playmaking presence. If Crosby wasn’t feeling enough pressure to bring gold back to Canada, missing Tavares could be devastating.

The injury again raises the question of whether or not NHL players belong in the Olympic tournament. While it’s hard to argue with the excitement, skill and intensity that the players create, the fact is that hockey is a contact, collision sport. It will ultimately come down to money, as it always does when the questions of NHL participation in the 2018 Olympic winter games is brought to light.

Fortunately, Tavares, who to date has yet to suffer any significant injury in his young career, should make a full recovery in time for the 2014-15 season. The 23-year old is approaching the prime of his career and is considered one of the top players in the world. While the New York Islanders season had already slowly swirled into the toilet, his injury could not have come at a more inopportune time for the country he represents.

The Canadian triumph over their North American rivals to the south was a result of a smothering defense. Without Tavares and more misfiring from the absentee offensive stars, the defending champs won yet another close game by the narrowest of margins. Missing one of their top players in Tavares means that Canada has decided that they will stick with the "defense wins championships" method and keep the faith in Carey Price.