Ice Hockey – Latvian National Sport
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Latvia, with a rich history and tradition dating back to the early 20th century. The Latvian national ice hockey team has been a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation since 1932 and has participated in many international tournaments, including the Winter Olympics and the World Championships. Latvia also has been a proud organizer of the 2006 and 2021 World Championships and in 2023 Finland and Latvia will host the 2023 IIHF World Championship from 12-28 May.
The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 1931, and the first official Latvian ice hockey championship was held in 1932. The sport became especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and Latvia produced several world-class players during this time, including Helmuts Balderis, who is considered one of the greatest Latvian hockey players of all time.
Since Latvia gained independence in 1991, ice hockey has continued to grow in popularity, with more and more young people taking up the sport. The Latvian national team has had some notable successes in international competition, including a fourth-place finish at the 1997 IIHF World Championships and a quarterfinal appearance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Ice hockey is also an important part of Latvian culture and identity, with many fans and supporters of the national team. There have been several Latvians who have played in the National Hockey League (NHL) over the years. Here are some of the most notable Latvian players who have made an impact in the NHL:
Sandis Ozolinsh is perhaps the most famous Latvian player to have played in the NHL. He was a skilled defenseman who played for several teams over his career, including the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Carolina Hurricanes. He won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1996 and was named to the NHL All-Star team five times.
Artūrs Irbe was a goaltender who played for several NHL teams over his career, including the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Carolina Hurricanes. He was known for his acrobatic style of play and helped lead the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002.
Zemgus Girgensons is a current player who currently in season 2022/23 plays for the Buffalo Sabres. He was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2015 and is known for his gritty, hardworking style of play.
Kaspars Daugavins played for several NHL teams over his career, including the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins. He is perhaps best known for his shootout attempt in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, during which he attempted a spin-o-rama move that has since become famous.
Ronalds Ķēniņš - played for the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks over his career. He was known for his physical play and hard-hitting style.
These are just a few of the many talented Latvian players who have made an impact in the NHL over the years. But it is a fact that Latvians do love ice hockey, and when spring comes Latvians look for their jerseys to root for their beloved team and this spring many ice hockey fans will be seen on the streets from all over the world.