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

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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

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.

Pelss talks about his own past

Once Edmonton Oilers had picked Latvian forward Kristians Pelss in the seventh round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, a lot of people wondered, who is this kid. As months passed and Pelss arrived to Edmonton, some of them were resolved, but not a lot about his earlier days was learned. We now offer not only some background info about the player, but also a small conversation with Pelss.

Kristians has began 2010-11 by posting a goal and adding a single assist in 10 games for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.

Pelss, who was born in Preili, for the first time stepped on ice in Daugavpils, where he began his junior career. At the age of 16 he managed to earn a spot on the DHK Latgale team, which played in the Belarusian league – a professional league, comparable to British Elite Ice Hockey League, French Ligue Magnus or even Austrian EBEL. In 2009-10, when DHK Latgale, due to financial problems, returned to playing in Latvian league, which currently is a half-professional league, Pelss joined Dinamo Juniors Riga, the farm club of KHL’s Dinamo Riga.

Pelss statistics:

			GP	G	A	P	PIM
2008-2009	DHK Latgale	Belarus	31	3	4	7	17
	DHK Latgale-2	Latvia	22	9	11	20	24
	Daugavpils U20	Latvia U20	8	3	9	12	16
	Latvia U18	WJC-18 D1	4	0	1	1	6
2009-2010	Dinamo Juniors Riga	Belarus	46	6	3	9	28
	Latvia U18	WJC-18	6	2	1	3	0

Kristians also did not mind answering us a couple of questions about his earlier days of his hockey career.

Who encouraged you to start playing hockey?

– When I was eight years old, my father took me to Daugavpils, where at that time an arena had been recently opened, and already before my first practice he bought me a full equipment – by then I never once had skated, but I learned that fairly quick and I really enjoyed it. Before turning to ice hockey, for several years I attended Judo lessons.

Do you consider yourself an alumnus of Metalurgs Liepaja or Daugavpils hockey school? After all, you have spent reasonable time in both of the cities.

– Despite the fact that I gained a lot also during my time in Liepaja, I am without a doubt an alumnus of Daugavpils hockey school, because that is where I started to play and that is where I grew up as a hockey player.

When you returned to Daugavpils, you had just turned 16 years old – did you expect to make the roster of DHK Latgale, who played in the Belarusian league, straight away?

– No, but prior 2008-09 I was coached by Jurijs Agureikins, who let me practice and play together with one up to three years older players than myself, which I am truly thankful to him.

How did you feel, when, being 16 years old, you started playing among professionals?

– Straight away I felt the difference between junior and professional hockey. Still, at least in my opinion, I got used to the professional hockey pretty fast, as my teammates helped me a lot, often saying what I ought to do in different situations.

What relationship do you have with Vitalijs Hvorostinins? [Hvorostinins also comes from Preili and now plays for Val-d’Ior Foreurs in the QMJHL]

– Well, I could say that he is my best friend – we grew up together and for a longer time played together. Also now we regularly talk to each other on Skype, encouraging one another and that really helps, when you don’t see your friends too often.

U20 roster for the Zholtok Cup announced

Latvian Hockey Federation has announced the Latvian national U20 team roster for the sixth Sergei Zholtok Memorial Cup, which will take place on September 1-4 in Riga, Latvia. This year the tournament will include Latvian, Belarusian, Danish U20 teams, as well as the Russian U18 team.

In December the team, led by Leonids Beresnevs, will play in World U20 Championships Div.1 tournament in Belarus. Latvian team will have only one aim – to win over Belarusians and to return to the Elite division.

Tournament schedule:

September 1, 19:00 Latvia U20 – Belarus u20
September 2, 16:00 Denmark U20 – Belarus U20
September 2, 19:15 Latvia U20 – Russia U18
September 3, 16:00 Belarus U20 – Russia U18
September 3, 19:15 Latvia U20 – Denmark U20
September 4, 15:00 Russia U18 – Denmark U20

The roster includes all the best junior players, currently playing in Latvia. As of players, who are playing abroad, only Ronalds Kenins (GC/Kusnacht Lions) and Girts Jansons (Muik Hockey) will take part in this tournament. It is expected that the World Championship roster will also include Kristians Pelss (Edmonton Oil Kings), Vitalijs Hvorostinins (fighting for a spot on Val-d’Or Foreurs), Rolands Vigners (Reims), Matiss Mezulis (Gotteron U20) and probably also brothers Ralfs and Kristers Freibergs, both playing in Sweden.

Official roster for the tournament:

G	Toms Broks	HK Riga
G	Janis Kalnins	Metalurgs Liepaja
D	Arturs Salija	HK Riga
D	Eriks Sevcenko	HK Riga
D	Glebs Rogoza	Metalurgs Liepaja
D	Martins Jakovlevs	HK Riga
D	Martins Porejs	HK Riga
D	Raimonds Tubelis	HK Riga
D	Reinis Demiters	Metalurgs Liepaja-2
D	Rolands Gritans	Metalurgs Liepaja-2
D	Romans Sevcenko	Metalurgs Liepaja-2
F	Arturs Mickevics	HK Riga
F	Bruno Zabis	Metalurgs Liepaja-2
F	Edgars Abolins	Metalurgs Liepaja-2
F	Egils Kalns	Metalurgs Liepaja-2
F	Elvijs Biezais	HK Riga
F	Girts Jansons	Muik Hockey
F	Juris Upitis	HK Riga
F	Maris Bicevskis	HK Riga
F	Maris Dilevka	Metalurgs Liepaja
F	Miks Lipsbergs	HK Riga
F	Raimonds Upenieks	HK Riga
F	Ronalds Kenins	GC/Kusnacht Lions
F	Vladislavs Dobrenkijs	HK Riga

Latvian U20 candidates list

There is not much time left until the beginning of September, when Latvian U20 team will play already in the sixth Sergei Zholtok Memorial Cup. The candidates list for the team has been made available.

In December the team, led by Leonids Beresnevs, will play in World U20 Championships Div.1 tournament in Belarus. Latvian team will have only one aim – to win over Belarusians and to return to the Elite division.

Candidates list:

G	Janis Kalnins	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
G	Toms Broks	1991	HK Riga	MHL
G	Kristers Gudlevskis	1992	HK Riga	MHL
D	Glebs Rogoza	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
D	Reinis Demiters	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
D	Romans Sevcenko	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
D	Raimonds Tubelis	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
D	Rolands Gritans	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
D	Martins Jakovlevs	1991	HK Riga	MHL
D	Arturs Salija	1992	HK Riga	MHL
D	Edgars Dikis	1991	HK Riga	MHL
D	Martins Porejs	1991	HK Riga	MHL
D	Eriks Sevcenko	1991	HK Riga	MHL
D	Nikita Kolesnikovs	1992	HK Riga	MHL
D	Ralfs Freibergs	1991	?
D	Kristers Freibergs	1992	?
D	Karlis Kalvitis	1991	?
F	Arturs Mickevics	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Edgars Abolins	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Maris Dilevka	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Egils Kalns	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Bruno Zabis	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Nils Semjonovs	1991	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Juris Upitis	1991	HK Riga	MHL
F	Maris Bicevskis	1991	HK Riga	MHL
F	Elvijs Biezais	1991	HK Riga	MHL
F	Vladislavs Dobrenkijs	1991	HK Riga	MHL
F	Davis Straupe	1992	HK Riga	MHL
F	Miks Lipsbergs	1991	HK Riga	MHL
F	Ronalds Kenins	1991	GC/Kusnacht Lions	NLB
F	Rolands Vigners	1991	Reims	France2
F	Girts Jansons	1991	Muik Hockey	Finland4
F	Kristians Pelss	1992	Edmonton Oil Kings	WHL
F	Maksims Firsovs	1991	?
F	Mikus Ozols	1991	?
F	Raimonds Upenieks	1992	HK Riga	MHL
F	Vitalijs Hvorostinins	1992	?
F	Arturs Kuzmenkovs	1993	Metalurgs Liepaja-2	Latvia
F	Artjoms Dasutins	1993	HK Sheriff	MHL

Three Latvians drafted in the CHL Import Draft (updated)

Today Latvian forwards Kristians Pelss, who was drafted into the NHL by Edmonton Oilers three days ago, and Vitalijs Hvorostinins, as well as defender Ricards Berzins(Richards Berzins), were drafted during the CHL Import Draft. Pelss was picked by the Edmonton Oil Kings of WHL #19 overall, while Hvorostinins was selected by Val-d’Or Foreurs #30 overall, but Berzins was picked by Owen Sound Attack #58 overall.

Let me just remind you that last season Pelss played for the Dinamo-Juniors Riga in the Belarusian league. Pelss, who learned the game of hockey in Daugavpils, scored nine points in 48 games last season. He also played in the U18 IIHF World Championship in Minsk, where was one of the Latvian national team leaders, although managed to score only two goals.

Vitalijs Hvorostinins, just like Pelss, learned the game of hockey in Daugavpils and, instead of Pelss, Hvorostinins played in local DHK Latgale last season, scoring 23 (9+14) points in 30 games. He also played several games for the Daugavpils U18 team.

Ricards Berzins spent previous season with HS Prizma/Pardaugava 92 in the Latvian U18 league and did not make the Latvian U18 national team. In 2008-09 he also played 20 games for Latvian league club HS Prizma/Hanza Riga. Before this draft, his name was rather unfamiliar around the Latvian hockey community.

The highest-ever drafted Latvian player in the CHL Import Draft was Agris Saviels, who was the number one draft pick in 1999. He was picked by Owen Sound Attack. In a more recent history, Kaspars Daugavins was the third overall pick in 2006. He was chosen by Toronto St. Michael’s Majors of OHL. Last year Daugavins made his debut in the NHL, playing a single game for the Ottawa Senators.