Does Latvian championship even matter to the federation?

(written by Ivars Zvirgzdiņš and originally published on Sportacentrs.com)

Shortly before the start of the 2012/13 season, Latvian hockey federation has published calendar for the upcoming season of the Latvian league. After a thorough exploration, myself being a mundane Latvian hockey follower, I was struck with dozens of questions and thoughts regarding the current state of Latvian hockey.

The first and most important question is in whose interests was the new calendar created. Much time isn’t needed to find an answer to it – already last year both Prizma Riga and Juniors Riga had problems with starting both in MHL B and Latvian league. Several of Juniors Riga games were rescheduled and there were others problems with Juniors’ participation in the league as well. For example, the federation seemed to not notice Juniors Riga decision of ignoring a few regular season games versus Lithuanian Energija Elektrenai, despite the fact that the club didn’t have MHL B games at that time. In the upcoming season Metalurgs Liepaja-2 will become already the third club that will play in both MHL B and Latvian league.

But let’s return our attention to the calendar of the next season! First of all, this year there will be eight teams participating in the league (there were 10 teams last year). This season SK LSPA/Riga has decided to drop out of the tournament and at this point also Energija Elektrenai isn’t among the competitors of the league.

Only eight teams participating in the tournament is nothing new or tragic, as the league has experienced already several such seasons in the past. The unfortunate part of the story begins, when we count the number of games each team will play – there are going to be a total of 112 regular seasons games, meaning only 28 matches for each of the teams. Also the playoff stage will start only with the semifinals (instead of six teams fighting for the title in the previous years). For a comparison, the newly established Latvian Enthusiast league (an amateur one) each team is planned to have 19 games and playoffs starting from the quarterfinal stage. Continuing our comparison, both EBEL and Belarusian league has more than 50 games in their regular season.

The motivation of decreasing the game pressure on the three teams participating in MHL B is apparent, but immediately another question arises – does the effort of growing our upcoming junior generation in the Russian hockey system leave the other Latvian players, who are already past their junior age, without a chance of playing a proper amount of games during the season? We have plenty of examples of players showing what they are really capable of when they have already reached 25 years or even older. There must be certain circumstances under which such players could develop, and one of them is a chance of playing a decent number of games. Could 28 games per season be considered a decent number or do we once again have to rely on Russia or some other European country on the development of Latvian players?

The number of Latvian hockey talents is far from being rich, thus we have to be able of acknowledging them and offering them a chance of proper development. Still, we also have to point out that a notable proportion of the younger players don’t even wait until they reach 20 years and become useless to the Latvian hockey scene – many players opt to play abroad starting from a very early age. Who can even estimate how many talented players Latvian hockey has lost in such a way?

Returning to the issue of the participation of the Lithuanian team Energija Elektrenai, we must conclude that there is no consensus reached yet, as clearly it is a clash of two different interest groups. Already prior the previous season team’s participation in the league wasn’t clear until the very last minute, and the situation seems to be same now as well. Although Latvian federation hasn’t confirmed Energija’s participation, in Lithuanian press the executive members of the team are telling about team’s intentions of renovating the Elektrenai ice rink and club’s readiness of competing in the Latvian league. It seems that, in the name of the three teams participating in MHL B, Latvian federation is ready to give up our years long cooperation with the Lithuanian team. It is quite odd, as Latvian federation expects a helpful hand from other countries, yet we are not willing to help the development of hockey in other countries.

To sum up, there is only one real conclusion – dear Mr. Lipmans (head of Latvian federation) and the owners of the Latvian teams, perhaps the time has come to cease imitating activity and start working on the development of the league? A development, whose aim would be clear to the Latvian hockey fans and most likely to the Latvian hockey federation as well.

Latvian Legion 2012/13

Latest Update: November 25, 2012 (+K.Jass, Kolesnikovs, D.Zembergs, Orlovs, Fadejevs, Susters, Puide, Lazarevs, Zauers; updated Lusins, M.Sirokovs, Boluss; – Brakss, Laucins, Vilkoits, Jasunovs, Kusins)

This is a list of all the Latvian players abroad for the 2012/13 season. The current list includes 174 players.

This list is never going to be fully complete and that is why any additions or corrections are welcomed at the comments section.

North America

• NHL (contracts)
  

1. Kaspars Daugavins – Ottawa Senators
2. Zemgus Girgensons – Buffalo Sabres (a possible call-up)

• AHL

1. Kristians Pelss – Oklahoma City Barons
2. Zemgus Girgensons – Rochester Americans

• ECHL

1. Kristians Pelss – Stockton Thunder

• QMJHL

1. Nikita Jevpalovs – Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

• WHL

1. Edgars Kulda – Edmonton Oil Kings
2. Roberts Lipsbergs – Seattle Thunderbirds
3. Rinalds Rosinskis – Prince George Cougars

• NCAA

1. Ralfs Freibergs – Bowling Green State University (suspended for most of 12/13 for playing pro back in 09/10)
2. Teodors Blugers – Minnesota State University (Mankato)

• NAHL

1. Kristaps Bazevics – Johnstown Tomahawks
2. Rihards Marenis – Amarillo Bulls

• EJHL

1. Haralds Egle – Portland Junior Pirates

• GMHL

1. Aleksandrs Smetanins – Toronto Canada Moose
2. Markus Olesko – Bracebridge Phantoms
3. Edgars Ozolins – Bracebridge Phantoms
4. Konstantins Sipunovs – Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks
5. Juris Dembickis – Rama Aces
6. Janis Metra – Bobcaygeon Bucks

• FHL

1. Toms Tilla – Danbury Whalers

• NA3HL

1. Toms Taurins – Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks
2. Nauris Buskevics – Quad City Jr. Flames

• WSHL

1. Hedijs Pleskacovs – Seattle Totems
2. Roberts Rabcevskis – Phoenix Knights
3. Aleksandrs Bebriss-Fedotovs – Dallas Snipers

• EmJHL

1. Arturs Buss – South Shore Kings
2. Toms Laus – Salem Ice Dogs

• EJEPL

1. Davis Zembergs – Boston Bandits

• HJHL

1. Edgars Fridrihsons – Banff Academy Bears

• NAPHL

1. Nikita Klinisovs – New Jersey Jr. Titans

• NORPAC

1. Krisjanis Reinfelds – Eugene Generals

• Midget AAA

1. Rudolfs Kalvitis – Shattuck St. Mary’s

• Bantam

1. Roberts Blugers – Shattuck St. Mary’s

Europe

Austria

• EBEL

1. Matiss Gelazis – Graz 99ers
2. Zintis Nauris Zusevics – Graz 99ers

• Austria U20

1. Matiss Gelazis – Graz 99ers U20
2. Zintis Nauris Zusevics – Graz 99ers U20
3. Aleksejs Dokutovics – EHC Linz U20
4. Reinis Skorovs – Lower Austria Stars

Belarus

• Belarusian Extraleague

1. Atvars Tribuncovs – Gomel

Czech Republic

• Czech 1. liga

1. Kriss Grundmanis – HC Most

• Czech3

1. Aleksandrs Baburins – HC Chotebor

Denmark

• AL-Bank Ligaen
  

1. Sergejs Cubars – Copenhagen Hockey
2. Edgars Lusins – Copenhagen Hockey

• Denmark2

1. Rodijs Razmus – IK Aarhus
2. Davis Paipa – IK Aarhus
3. Dmitrijs Orlovs – Amager Ishockey

Estonia

• Estonian league

1. Sergejs Tsernikovs – Tallinn Viking Sport
2. Romans Sumihins – Tallinn Viking Sport

Finland

• SM-liiga

1. Roberts Jekimovs – SaIPa

• Mestis

1. Martins Jakovlevs – Jokipojat (on loan from Dinamo Riga)
2. Vitalijs Pavlovs – Jokipojat (on loan from Dinamo Riga)

• Suomi-sarja

1. Kristaps Nimanis – Red Ducks
2. Vladislavs Balakuns – IPK
3. Peteris Pujats – IPK
4. Nauris Enkuzens – Hermes
5. Vladislavs Dudins – Hermes
6. Gatis Gricinskis – HC Satakunta
7. Raitis Pujats – FPS

• II-divisioona

1. Andrejs Kostjukovs – Nikkarit
2. Viktors Jasjonis – Lamarit
3. Gatis Bruders – Lamarit
4. Karlis Liepins – Lamarit
5. Sergejs Petuskovs – LLuja
6. Edgars Cermnihs – LLuja
7. Roberts Mazins – Karhu HT
8. Vjaceslavs Fanduls – Karhu HT
9. Girts Jansons – Muik Hockey
10. Deniss Martjusovs – Hela-Kiekko
11. Danils Lazebniks – Hela-Kiekko
12. Kirils Lazebniks – Hela-Kiekko
13. Girts Savrinovics – Hela-Kiekko
14. Vladimirs Borovkovs – Hela-Kiekko
15. Vadims Vabiscevics – PyPo
16. Renats Vabiscevics – PyPo
17. Norberts Danemanis – PyPo

• Finland5

1. Gints Leitis – KK-V
2. Sergejs Piskunovs – KK-V
3. Ricards Simsons – Jeppis II
4. Deniss Martjusovs – Hela-Kiekko II
5. Danils Lazebniks – Hela-Kiekko II
6. Kirils Lazebniks – Hela-Kiekko II
7. Girts Savrinovics – Hela-Kiekko II
8. Vladimirs Borovkovs – Hela-Kiekko II

France

• France2

1. Sergejs Visegorodcevs – Annecy
2. Rolands Vigners – Bordeaux
3. Martins Mezulis – Bordeaux (leased from Red Ice)
4. Raimonds Danilics – Montpellier
5. Sergejs Louskins – Neuilly-sur-Marne
6. Edmunds Kniksts – Reims

Germany

• DEL

1. Herberts Vasiljevs – Krefeld Pinguine
2. Maris Jass – Hannover Scorpions

• Oberliga

1. Eriks Ozollapa – Adendorfer EC
2. Davis Sprukts – Hamburger SV
3. Kristers Freibergs – Hamburger SV
4. Edgars Apelis – ERV Schweinfurt

• Germany4

1. Rihards Grigors – Dinslakener EC 2009 Kobras

• Germany5

1. Romans Nikitins – EHC Stiftland Mitterteich

• Germany6

1. Raimonds Poskuss – VfE Ulm/Neu-Ulm

• DNL

1. Roberts Cerins – EV Fussen U18

• Junioren-BL

1. Davis Sprukts – Hamburger SV U20
2. Krisjanis Abolins-Abols – EHC Klostersee U20

• Schuler-BL

1. Ritvars Lubeckis – EJ Kassel U16

Iceland

• Iceland

1. Edmunds Ingass – Hunar

Kazakhstan

• Kazakh league

1. Arturs Ozolins – Arlan Kokshetau
2. Renars Demiters – Arlan Kokshetau
3. Andrejs Smirnovs – Arlan Kokshetau
4. Edijs Brahmanis – Arystan Temirtau
5. Toms Hartmanis – Arystan Temirtau
6. Martins Raitums – Beibarys Atyrau

Netherlands

• Dutch Cup

1. Aleksandrs Terjohins – Friesland Flyers

Norway

• GET-Ligaen

1. Aleksandrs Macijevskis – Stjernen Ishockey

• Norway2

1. Janis Smits – Comet

• Norway3

1. Kristaps Stigis – IL Krakene

• Norway U16

1. Rudolfs Balcers – Lorenskog U16

Russia

• KHL

1. Lauris Darzins – Ak Bars Kazan
2. Sandis Ozolins – Atlant Mytishchi
3. Georgijs Pujacs – Avangard Omsk
4. Janis Sprukts – CSKA Moscow
5. Mikelis Redlihs – Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
6. Arturs Kulda – Sibir Novosibirsk
7. Edgars Masalskis – Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk
8. Oskars Bartulis – Donbass Donetsk

• VHL

1. Aleksandrs Jerofejevs – Kuban Krasnodar

• MHL

1. Kirils Tambijevs – Khimik Voskresensk
2. Artjoms Dasutins – HK MVD

• MHL B

1. Toms Taurins – Baltica Vilnius

Slovakia

• Extraliga

1. Koba Jass – MsHK Zilina (try-out)
2. Nikita Kolesnikovs – HC Banska Bystrica

Spain

• Liga Nacional

1. Vadims Adonevs – CD Hielo Bipolo Vitoria-Gasteiz
2. Niks Apsitis – CD Hielo Bipolo Vitoria-Gasteiz

Sweden

• Elitserien

1. Edgars Klavins – AIK

• Allsvenskan

1. Ervins Mustukovs – Mora IK

• Division 1

1. Kristaps Legzdins – Surahammars IF
2. Alberts Ilisko – IFK Kumla
3. Romans Semjonovs – IFK Arboga
4. Rolands Gritans – IFK Arboga
5. Sandis Zolmanis – Mjolby HC

• Division 2

1. Vadims Maticins – Varberg HK
2. Sandis Zolmanis – Motala AIF

• Division 4

1. Mareks Kocuba – IFK Mariehamn

• J20 SuperElit

1. Edgars Klavins – AIK J20

• J20 Elit

1. Roberts Potapenko – Nykopings HK J20
2. Sandis Zolmanis – Mjolby HC J20

• J20 Division 2
  

1. Antons Jasunovs – Lidingo Vikings J20

• J18 Elit

1. Roberts Locans – AIK J18
2. Niklavs Birovs – Almtuna J18
3. Rolands Punculis – Nynashamns IF J18
4. Aleksandrs Zujevs – Nynashamns IF J18

• J18 Division 1

1. Antons Jasunovs – Lidingo Vikings J18
2. Kristians Copejs – Hedemora SK J18
3. Brendons Zauers – Vanersborgs HC J18

• TV-pucken

1. Edgars Treijs – Ostergotland

Switzerland

• NLA

1. Ronalds Kenins – ZSC Lions
2. Juris Zandovskis – Gotteron

• NLB

1. Aleksejs Sirokovs – Red Ice
2. Martins Mezulis – Red Ice (leased from Bordeaux)

• Regio League
  

1. Gundars Berkis – Chiasso

• Switzerland4

1. Aleksandrs Fadejevs – Renens HC

• Junioren Elite A

1. Elvis Merzlikins – Lugano U20
2. Juris Zandovskis – Gotteron U20
3. Toms Andersons – Bern U20
4. Ivars Punnenovs – Rapperswil U20

• Elite Novizen

1. Rihards Puide – Pikes Oberthurgau U17
2. Marks Lazarevs – Pikes Oberthurgau U17

• Junioren Regio League

1. Marcis Martinsons – EHC Dubendorf

Turkey

• Turkish league

1. Olegs Koreskovs – Izmir BB

Ukraine

• Ukrainian league

1. Dmitrijs Zabotinskis – Dynamo Kharkov
2. Elvis Zelubovskis – Dynamo Kharkov
3. Armands Berzins – Kompanion Kiev
4. Agris Saviels – Kompanion Kiev
5. Juris Stals – Kompanion Kiev
6. Janis Andersons – Kompanion Kiev
7. Eriks Golubevs – Bilyy Bars Brovary
8. Vitalijs Hvorostinins – Bilyy Bars Brovary
9. Alberts Boluss – Bilyy Bars Brovary
10. Sergejs Pecura – Levy Lviv
11. Maksims Sirokovs – Levy Lviv
12. Kaspars Saulietis – Sokol Kiev

United Kingdom

• EIHL

1. Marcis Zembergs – Edinburgh Capitals
2. Janis Ozolins – Hull Stingrays

• EPIHL

1. Maris Ziedins – Peterborough Phantoms
2. Edgars Bebris – Sheffield Steeldogs

• NIHL

1. Maksims Petruks – Milton Keynes Thunder
2. Ivo Dmitrijevs – Blackburn Hawks
3. Janis Grinbergs – Fylde Flyers

• EIHA U18

1. Niks Trapans – Lee Valley Lions
2. Raivis Sadinovs – Kingston Predators
3. Olegs Lascenko – Romford Buccaneers
4. Toms Rutkis – Guildford Phoenix
5. Ralfs Circenis – Guildford Phoenix
6. Martins Susters – Peterborough Junior Phantoms

• EIHA U16

1. Eduards Hugo Jansons – Okanagan

Latvian Legion 2011/12

Latest Update: February 2, 2011 (+ Ozollapa, Astasenko, Kurnigins, Smits, Kulikovs, Rabcevskis, Baburins, Grinbergs, Jakobsons, Tampe, Ponatovskis, Demiters, Sorokins; updated Tjoluskins, Legzdins, Pujacs, Kuplais, Dmitrijevs, Danemanis, Lavrovs, K.Kalnins, Zolmanis, Cerins, V.Ozolins, Nimanis; – Jasjonis, N.Semjonovs, Apelis, Zarins, Olesko, Fadejevs)

This is a list of all the Latvian players abroad for the 2011/12 season. The current list includes 175 players.

This list is never going to be fully complete and that is why any additions or corrections are welcomed at the comments section.

North America

• NHL

1. Oskars Bartulis – Philadelphia Flyers (a possible call-up)
2. Kaspars Daugavins – Ottawa Senators
3. Arturs Kulda – Winnipeg Jets (a possible call-up)
4. Raitis Ivanans – Calgary Flames (a possible call-up)

• AHL

1. Kaspars Daugavins – Binghamton Senators (a possible reassign)
2. Arturs Kulda – St. John’s IceCaps
3. Oskars Bartulis – Adirondack Phantoms
4. Raitis Ivanans – Abbotsford Heat

• WHL

1. Kristians Pelss – Edmonton Oil Kings

• QMJHL

1. Nikita Kolesnikovs – Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

• USHL

1. Zemgus Girgensons – Dubuque Fighting Saints
2. Ralfs Freibergs – Lincoln Stars

• NAHL

1. Kristaps Bazevics – Alaska Avalanche

• USHS

1. Teodors Blugers – Shattuck St. Mary’s

• NA3HL

1. Mareks Kepals – Toledo Cherokee
2. Toms Taurins (1991) – Twin City Steel
3. Nauris Buskevics – Quad City Jr. Flames
4. Toms Taurins (1995) – Quad City Jr. Flames

• WSHL

1. Ivo Dmitrijevs – Arizona Red Hawks
2. Danils Kulikovs – Cheyenne Stampede
3. Roberts Rabcevskis – Phoenix Knights

• NCAA III

1. Dainis Vasiljevs – Finlandia University

• GMHL

1. Ainis Zalans – Elliot Lake Bobcats
2. Aleksandrs Smetanins – Toronto Canada Moose

• ACHA

1. Renars Rukmanis – Duquesne University

• ACHA II

1. Kriss Lans – North Carolina State University

• MnJHL

1. Hedijs Pleskacovs – Dells Ducks

• EmJHL

1. Haralds Egle – Green Mountain Glades

• FHL

1. Roberts Mazins – Danville Dashers

• VIJHL

1. Davis Sprukts – Campbell River Storm

• Midget

1. Roberts Smits – Selects Hockey Academy U16 AAA

Europe

Austria

• Austrian U20

1. Matiss Gelazis – Graz 99ers U20
2. Zintis Nauris Zusevics – Graz 99ers U20

• National Liga (second tier)

1. Matiss Gelazis – Kapfenberger SV
2. Zintis Nauris Zusevics – Kapfenberger SV

• Austrian U17

1. Nikita Zantmanis – L.A. Stars 2
2. Eduards Hugo Jansons – L.A. Stars 2
3. Reinis Skorovs – L.A. Stars

Belarus

• Belarussian Extraleague

1. Atvars Tribuncovs – Gomel
2. Sergejs Pecura – Neman Grodno
3. Kaspars Saulietis – Neman Grodno
4. Armands Berzins – Yunost Minsk
5. Rolands Vigners – Shakhter Soligorsk

• MHL

1. Aleksandrs Galkins – Dynamo-Shinnik

Belgium

• North Sea Cup (former Dutch Eredivisie)
  

1. Matiss Megnis – Chiefs Leuven

• Belgian league

1. Matiss Megnis – Chiefs Leuven

Czech Republic

• Czech 1. liga

1. Kriss Grundmanis – HC Dukla Jihlava
2. Arturs Birstins – HC Most

• Czech 2. liga

1. Aleksandrs Baburins – HC Chotebor

Denmark

• Al-Bank Ligaen

1. Sergejs Cubars – CPH Hockey/Hvidovre
2. Ervins Mustukovs – Odense

• Denmark2

1. Oskars Jursans – Gladsaxe
2. Dominiks Laukmanis – IK Aarhus
3. Davis Paipa – IK Aarhus
4. Rodijs Razmus – IK Aarhus
5. Dmitrijs Orlovs – Gladsaxe
6. Toms Broks – Aalborg II

Estonia

• Estonia

1. Romans Sumihins – Tallinn Viiking Sport
2. Sergejs Tsernikovs – Tallinn Viiking Sport

Finland

• SM-liiga

1. Roberts Jekimovs – SaiPa (try-out)

• Suomi-sarja

1. Raitis Pujats – FPS
2. Nauris Enkuzens – Hermes
3. Gatis Gricinskis – HC Satakunta
4. Janis Purins – JHT
5. Kristaps Nimanis – Red Ducks
6. Alberts Boluss – RJK
7. Maksims Dubovs – RJK
8. Ernests Vernavs – RJK
9. Kristaps Kuplais – Lamarit

• II-divisioona

1. Andrejs Kostjukovs – Nikkarit
2. Vadims Vabiscevics – PyPo
3. Renars Vabiscevics – PyPo
4. Kristians Copejs – PyPo
5. Sergejs Jegorovs – PyPo
6. Edgars Cermnihs – Jeppis
7. Vladislavs Balakuns – Virkia
8. Norberts Danemanis – Virkia
9. Arnis Kusins – Muik Hockey
10. Sergejs Petuskovs – Muik Hockey
11. Kaspars Astasenko – Muik Hockey
12. Kirils Lazebniks – Hela-Kiekko
13. Danils Lazebniks – Hela-Kiekko
14. Peteris Pujats – Hela-Kiekko
15. Vjaceslavs Fanduls – Karhu HT Pori

• Finland5

1. Peteris Pujats – S-Kiekko II
2. Danils Lazebniks – S-Kiekko II

• Jr. A SM-liiga

1. Vitalijs Hvorostinins – Sport U20
2. Kristaps Nimanis – Sport U20

• Jr. A I-div. Q

1. Konstantins Sipunovs – Jokipojat U20

• Jr. B SM-sarja

1. Martins Lavrovs – Assat U18

• Jr. B SM-sarja Q

1. Viesturs Tampe – Assat U18

France

• Ligue Magnus

1. Sergejs Visegorodcevs – Villard-de-Lans

• Division 1

1. Olegs Koreskovs – Anglet
2. Raimonds Danilics – Montpellier
3. Janis Brakss – Cergy
4. Viktors Lobacovs – Mulhouse (often listed as a Russian citizen)

• Division 2

1. Renars Undelis – HC Metz
2. Gints Leitis – HC Metz
3. Vladimirs Borovkovs – HC Metz
4. Aleksandrs Kercs jr. – HC Metz
5. Janis Bullitis – HC Metz
6. Elvis Zelubovskis – Asnieres

Germany

• DEL

1. Herberts Vasiljevs – Krefeld Pinguine (has gained German citizenship)

• German 2. Bundesliga

1. Edgars Lusins – Hannover Indians

• Oberliga

1. Romans Nikitins – Adendorfer EC
2. Eriks Ozollapa – Adendorfer EC
3. Aldis Abolins – Hamburger SV
4. Valentins Feoktistovs – Hamburger SV

• Regionalliga

1. Arturs Rainskis – GEC Ritter Nordhorn
2. Aldis Kirsts – GEC Ritter Nordhorn
3. Reinis Repss – ESC Bad Liebenzell
4. Edgars Adamovics – Herner EV 2007

• Junioren-BL

1. Janis Berzins – ESC Moskitos Essen U20

• Jugend-BL

1. Viktors Ponatovskis – Hannover Indians U18

Great Britain

• EIHL

1. Marcis Zembergs – Edinburgh Capitals
2. Toms Hartmanis – Fife Flyers

• EPIHL

1. Sergejs Louskins – Bracknell Bees
2. Maris Ziedins – Peterborough Phantoms
3. Janis Ozolins – Sheffield Steeldogs
4. Edgars Bebris – Sheffield Steeldogs (occasionally incorrectly listed as an UK citizen)
5. Raivis Kurnigins – Sheffield Steeldogs

• ENL

1. Elvis Veldze – Fylde Flyers
2. Janis Grinbergs – Fylde Flyers
3. Juris Galajevs – Slough ENL Jets

• Great Britain U18

1. Dairis Dreimanis – Kingston Juniors

Iceland

• Iceland

1. Edmunds Ingass – Hunar

Italy

• Serie A

1. Agris Saviels – Sterzing/Vipiteno

Kazakhstan

• VHL

1. Koba Jass – Kazzinc-Torpedo
2. Aleksejs Sirokovs – Kazzinc-Torpedo
3. Maksims Sirokovs – Kazzinc-Torpedo

• Kazakh league

1. Andrejs Smirnovs – Beibarys Atyrau
2. Martins Raitums – Beibarys Atyrau
3. Vitalijs Pavlovs – Beibarys Atyrau
4. Sergejs Tjoluskins – HK Astana
5. Edmunds Kniksts – Arlan Kokshetau
6. Valerijs Filimonovs – Arlan Kokshetau
7. Dmitrijs Zabotinskis – Arlan Kokshetau
8. Arturs Ozolins – Arlan Kokshetau
9. Vladimirs Mamonovs – Arlan Kokshetau
10. Renars Demiters – Arlan Kokshetau
11. Edijs Brahmanis – Sary-Arka Karaganda
12. Olegs Sorokins – Sary-Arka Karaganda

Norway

• GET Ligaen

1. Aleksandrs Macijevskis – Stjernen

• Get Division (second tier)

1. Janis Smits – Comet

• Norway U17

1. Rudolfs Balcers – Lorenskog U17
2. Maksims Ponomarenko – Lorenskog U17

Poland

• Polish league

1. Toms Bluks – KS Torun
2. Aivars Gaisins – KS Torun (try-out)

Russia

• KHL

1. Lauris Darzins – Ak Bars Kazan
2. Georgijs Pujacs – Avangard Omsk
3. Edgars Masalskis – Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk

• MHL

1. Rihards Bukarts – Kapitan Stupino
2. Artjoms Dasutins – HC MVD Jr
3. Vladislavs Dudins – Olimpiya Kirovo-Chepetsk

Slovakia

• Slovak Extraleague

1. Maris Jass – HC Slovan Bratislava
2. Aleksandrs Jerofejevs – HC Slovan Bratislava

Sweden

• Division 1

1. Krists Kalnins – AIK Harnosand
2. Valters Ozolins – AIK Harnosand
3. Rolands Gritans – Arboga
4. Romans Semjonovs – Arboga
5. Alberts Ilisko – Mjolby Hockey
6. Kristaps Legzdins – Surahammars IF

• Division 2

1. Vadims Maticins – Hanhals IF
2. Juris Dembickis – Lidingo

• Division 3

1. Niks Matevics – Gota/Traneberg

• Division 4

1. Edgars Grundmanis – Nynashamns IF-2
2. Gints Gredzens – Nynashamns IF-2
3. Mareks Kobula – IFK Mariehamm

• J20 SuperElit

1. Edgars Klavins – AIK J20

• J20 Elit

1. Valters Ozolins – AIK Harnosand J20
2. Krists Kalnins – AIK Harnosand J20
3. Sandis Zolmanis – Orebro J20

• J18 Elit

1. Romans Semjonovs – Arboga J18
2. Kristaps Jakobsons – Arboga J18
3. Roberts Potapenko – Arboga J18
4. Aleksandrs Bebriss-Fedotovs – Arboga J18
5. Sandis Zolmanis – Orebro J18
6. Antons Jasunovs – Lidingo J18

• J18 Div.1

1. Roberts Cerins – IFK Kumla J18

Switzerland

• NLA

1. Ronalds Kenins – ZSC Lions

• Switzerland3

1. Gundars Berkis – Chiasso

• Elite Jr. A

1. Toms Andersons – Bern U20
2. Martins Mezulis – Rapperswil U20
3. Juris Zandovskis – Gotteron U20
4. Elvis Merzlikins – Lugano U20
5. Ivars Punnenovs – Kloten U20

• Elite Novizen

1. Marks Lazarevs – Pikes Oberthurgau U17

Ukraine

• Ukraine

1. Viktors Blinovs – Berkut Kiev

Latvian Legion in Kazakhstan

If during the past season five Latvian players played for Kazakh club Beibarys Atyrau, this season the number of Latvian players in the Kazakh league will certainly grow.

As of now, both Martins Raitums and Andrejs Smirnovs have signed new contracts with Beibarys Atyrau and will stay with the club also for this season. Let me just remind you that Raitums had a tremendous season with Beibarys last year and at the end of the season received the best goaltender award. Similarly to last season, also this year Beibarys is holding its camp in Latvia, so, as a result, the number of Latvian players there is rumoured to be as high as 7 players (including ex-Metalurgs Liepaja players Valerijs Filimonovs and Maris Gravitis).

Four other Latvian players are currently rumoured to have a try-out contract with Kazakh clubs as well. Forwards Edijs Brahmanis and Vladimirs Mamonovs are said to be in the Sary-Arka Karaganda camp in Italy, while defensemen Edmunds Kniksts and Sergejs Tjoluskins are both fighting for a place on Arlan Kokshetau roster.

Notably, six ex-Metalurgs Liepaja players currently have try-out contracts with Kazakh league clubs. The main reason behind that is the tough financial situation of the Latvian club. Just after the previous season club even announced that it might lack finances, in order to compete in the Belarussian Extraleague. Currently the team’s average age is under 21 and during its first pre-season exhibition games it has lost to Kazakh VHL club Kazzinc-Torpedo twice (1:4 and 0:2).

Hvorostinins and Birzins return to Latvia

Latvian hockey players forward Vitalijs Hvorostinins and defender Ricards Birzins have left their clubs and returned to Latvia. While Hvorostinins played for the Val-d’Ior Foreurs of the QMJHL, Birzins spent the larger part of the season with Beibarys Atyrau of the Kazakh league.

18-year-old Hvorostinins who was picked this summer by Foreurs during the 2010 CHL Import Draft has returned to Latvia, rejoining DHK Latgale of the Latvian league, and playing already his first game with the club. Hvorostinins already played for DHK Latgale last season. For a longer period of time Hvorostinins was injured, managing to play only three games for the Val-d’Ior Foreurs, however he did not manage to earn a single point.

In the same time, defender Ricards Birzins has decided to leave Beibarys Atyrau. As of mid-December (latest statistics I got hold of) Birzins had been dressed only for 10 out of 30 games played at that moment. The lack of trust from the coaching staff must have been the main reason why Birzins has left the club. Ricards has now returned to Riga. As January 31 which is the trade deadline for majority of leagues in Europe is drawing closer and closer, hopefully Ricards will manage to find a new club.

Raitums among leaders of Kazakh league

Latvian goaltender Martins Raitums who plays for the Beibarys Atyrau and is a candidate for the Latvian national team World championship roster is currently leading the Kazakh league regarding both the goals against average and save percentage.

Kazakh media also note that the coaching staff of Ertis Pavlodar must be biting their elbows, as in the past summer the first rumours told that Raitums is about to join Ertis, however the club chose to sign Slovakian Stanislav Petrik instead. Petrik is not among the leading goalkeepers in the league. With the back-up goalie in the form of Ukrainian national team player Vadim Seliverstov, Beibarys goalie line is considered to be the best in the league.

Currently Raitums has played 20 games, helping the team to win in 15 of them, and posting a goals against average of 1.68 pucks. Raitums has also reflected 93.43 percent of the shots and had two shutouts.

Gomel signs Tribuncovs

Despite the Kazakh federation’s report that 34-year-old Latvian defender Atvars Tribuncovs has joined Beibarys Atyrau of the Kazakh league, he has signed a contract with Belarussian Extraleague club HC Gomel till the end of this season.

Still, there was some truth about the report – Tribuncovs indeed was willing to join Beibarys, but for some unknown reason it did not work out, and he never arrived at Atyrau. Instead, he joined HC Gomel, having a fantastic debut – in his first game with the club Tribuncovs posted a goal and added two assists.

In the past the 34-year-old defender has played for many seasons in such leagues as Russian Super League, Swedish Elitserien, DEL. He spent also majority of 2008-09 with Dinamo Riga of the KHL. In 2009-10 he played for HC Karlovy Vary of the Czech Extraleague. However, late in the season he was loaned to a Czech 2nd league club and failed to sign a contract during the summer. Before joining HC Gomel, Tribuncovs played several games for HK SMScredit.lv of the Latvian league.