Charlotte, N.C., February 12, 2026
As the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina progress, ten former Charlotte Checkers players compete, including Sandis Vilmanis representing Latvia. Hershey’s engages fans with limited-edition chocolate medals celebrating the Games, reflecting the spirit and joy of Olympic moments. The medals, embossed and wrapped in gold foil, are available through TikTok and The Hershey’s Store. This edition marks a notable event for both local hockey talent and chocolate lovers nationwide.
Charlotte Athletes Shine as Winter Olympics Progress, Hershey’s Unveils Commemorative Medals
Charlotte, N.C. – As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, continue to unfold, local hockey fans have a reason to cheer, with ten former Charlotte Checkers players representing their home countries on the international stage. Amidst the athletic competitions, a national brand, Hershey’s, has also captured attention with the release of limited-edition chocolate medals, allowing fans across the country to celebrate the spirit of the Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, which commenced on February 6 and are scheduled to conclude on February 22, mark a significant return for NHL players to the Olympic men’s hockey tournament for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. Among those making their mark is Sandis Vilmanis, a 21-year-old forward who played for the Charlotte Checkers this season before his recent call-up to the Florida Panthers. Vilmanis is representing his native Latvia in his Olympic debut, a notable achievement as he is the first active Checkers player to be named to the Winter Olympics roster. Latvia’s men’s hockey team began its tournament play on February 11, facing Team USA on February 12. This particular matchup carried an added layer of intrigue, as Vilmanis had a recent on-ice incident with Team USA’s Charlie McAvoy during the current NHL season.
Beyond Vilmanis, a total of nine other athletes with ties to the Charlotte Checkers are competing in the Milan Cortina Games. These former Checkers players include Uvis Balinskis (Latvia), Michael Fora (Switzerland), Gustav Forsling (Sweden), Elias Lindholm (Sweden), Eetu Luostarinen (Finland), Martin Necas (Czechia), Oliver Okuliar (Slovakia), Jaccob Slavin (United States), and Alexander True (Denmark). Balinskis, also representing Latvia, has been named an alternate captain for his national team. The Florida Panthers organization, to which Vilmanis was recently called up, boasts the highest number of players participating in these Olympics, with ten athletes suiting up for various nations. The enduring connection of the Charlotte Checkers to Olympic talent is further highlighted by current player Nate Smith, who represented the United States in the 2022 Olympics, and assistant coach Bobby Sanguinetti, a Team USA Olympian from 2018.
Hershey’s Sweet Commemoration of the Games
On the national stage, Hershey’s has launched a unique initiative to engage fans during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The company is offering limited-edition milk chocolate medals, designed to capture the excitement of the Olympics. These commemorative items are crafted with embossed designs, wrapped in gold foil, and are similar in size and thickness to actual Olympic medals.
The initial release saw the first 400 guests at Hershey’s Chocolate World locations in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and New York City’s Times Square receive a free chocolate medal on February 7. The wider availability for these special treats began on February 13, 2026, through the TikTok Shop, followed by their release on The Hershey’s Store website on February 14, 2026. Priced at $5.99 each, these medals are a one-time-only release and will be available only while supplies last.
This special product launch is part of Hershey’s new campaign titled “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place.,” which seeks to redefine “gold” as the happiness found in everyday moments. The campaign features partnerships with prominent U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including speedskaters Erin Jackson and Jordan Stolz, ice hockey player Hilary Knight, para-snowboarder Brenna Huckaby, and figure skater Jason Brown, who share their personal stories of finding joy beyond podium finishes. To further enhance fan engagement, Hershey’s has also introduced digital experiences, such as augmented reality lenses on Snapchat and branded effects on TikTok, enabling users to interact with virtual versions of the chocolate medals and celebrate their own “medal moments”.
Highlights from the Winter Games
Meanwhile, the 2026 Winter Olympics have already delivered memorable performances. Day 5 of the Games, on February 11, saw American speedskater Jordan Stolz secure a gold medal, setting an Olympic record in the 1000m event. U.S. skiers also achieved a significant victory in women’s moguls, with Elizabeth Lemley and Jaelin Kauf taking first and second place, respectively. As the Games progress, athletes from around the globe continue to compete for glory, with live updates and results being closely followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main news regarding Charlotte Checkers players and the 2026 Winter Olympics?
- There are ten former Charlotte Checkers players participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics, including active player Sandis Vilmanis, who is representing Latvia in men’s hockey in his Olympic debut.
- Which country is Sandis Vilmanis representing in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
- Sandis Vilmanis is representing his home country, Latvia, in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- When did Latvia’s men’s hockey team play their first game in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
- Latvia’s men’s hockey team began its tournament play on February 11, with their first game against the United States on February 12.
- What special product has Hershey’s launched for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
- Hershey’s has launched limited-edition milk chocolate medals to celebrate the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- When and where can the Hershey’s chocolate medals be purchased?
- The medals officially launched on TikTok Shop on February 13, 2026, and became available on The Hershey’s Store website on February 14, 2026, while supplies last.
- What is the cost of a Hershey’s chocolate medal?
- Each Hershey’s chocolate medal costs $5.99.
- What is the theme of Hershey’s campaign associated with the chocolate medals?
- The chocolate medals are part of Hershey’s new campaign, “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place.”, emphasizing that happiness is “the real gold”.
- When are the 2026 Winter Olympics taking place?
- The 2026 Winter Olympics commenced on February 6 and are scheduled to conclude on February 22.
Key Features of 2026 Winter Olympics News
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Checkers Representation | Ten former Charlotte Checkers players are participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics. | State-level (North Carolina) / International |
| Active Checkers Player in Olympics | Sandis Vilmanis is the first active Charlotte Checkers player to be named to a Winter Olympics roster. | State-level (North Carolina) / International |
| Vilmanis’ Country | Sandis Vilmanis is representing Latvia in men’s hockey. | International |
| Hershey’s Limited-Edition Product | Hershey’s has launched limited-edition milk chocolate medals for the 2026 Winter Olympics. | Nationwide |
| Medal Appearance | Chocolate medals are embossed, wrapped in gold foil, and resemble actual Olympic medals in size and thickness. | Nationwide |
| Hershey’s Medal Availability | Available on TikTok Shop from February 13, 2026, and The Hershey’s Store website from February 14, 2026. | Nationwide |
| Hershey’s Campaign Theme | “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place.”, emphasizing happiness as “the real gold”. | Nationwide |
| Olympic Dates | The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place from February 6 to February 22. | International |
| NHL Player Participation | NHL players are participating in the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014. | International |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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