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LAT vs. SUI: Swiss D Mark Streit: 'Latvia is a Russian-style team'

Ahead of Wednesday's tournament opening game between the Swiss and Latvian men's ice hockey teams, Philadelphia Flyers and Team Switzerland defenseman Mark Streit sang the praises of the Latvian team he'll be competing against.

"Latvia is a Russian-style team," Streit told Latvian media outlet Apollo (via google translate). "They are masterful players who are likely to play very quickly and with excitement."

Streit will skate alongside Vancouver Canucks defenseman Raphael Diaz on Switzerland's ostensible second-pair to open the tournament. The Swiss strength is on the back-end where they boast four NHL players (Diaz, Streit, Yannick Weber and Roman Josi) and in goal where they'll play in front of Ducks netminder Jonas Hiller. 

The Latvians, meanwhile, are strong up front with an all-mercenary top-line that includes promising young NHLer Zemgus Girgensons, KHL sniper Miks Indrasis, and NLA workhorse Ronalds Kenins. 

Read more about the Swiss and Latvian men's ice hockey teams:

Latvian Coach Ted Nolan brought former NHLers back into the fold
Olympic Preview: Latvia
Latvia looking for a miracle at 2014 Olympic tournament
Olympic Preview: Switzerland

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