Nine days that changed everything: Eriks Mateiko’s Olympic heartbreak, devastating skate-cut injury, and remarkable return

Hershey Bears forward Eriks Mateiko has made a successful return to professional hockey nine months after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. Just days after earning a spot on Latvia's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a skate blade sliced his ankle during a game against the Cleveland Monsters in January 2026, forcing him to miss the rest of the AHL season and the Games.

Following surgery at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a lengthy rehabilitation, the 20-year-old Washington Capitals prospect recently scored his first goal in nearly a year. Mateiko credited his positive mindset and support from teammates for helping him navigate the devastating setback and regain his form.