Eduards Tralmaks Honors Idol Sergejs Žoltoks Through Jersey Number
Latvian hockey player Eduards Tralmaks carries a poignant tribute on his back every time he steps onto the ice: the number 34. This isn’t a random selection, but a deeply personal homage to his childhood hero, Sergejs Žoltoks, a Latvian hockey legend whose life was tragically cut short.
“From childhood, I had the number 33. I played with it throughout my entire Latvian stage, all because of Sergejs Žoltoks,” Tralmaks shared with Klubs magazine. “He had both 16 and 33. In America, in one of the teams, 33 was already taken. I looked at what numbers Žoltoks had played with, and it turned out he also had 34. From that moment on, I started playing with this number.”
A Lasting Inspiration
Žoltoks wasn’t just a player Tralmaks admired; he was a source of profound inspiration. “Žoltoks was my favorite hockey player, my biggest inspiration. When he passed away, I cried,” Tralmaks recalled, remembering his young self and the dream of playing hockey that Žoltoks ignited.
Sergejs Žoltoks represented Latvia in six World Championships, showcasing his talent and skill on the international stage. He spent ten seasons in the NHL, notably scoring his first NHL goal while playing for the Boston Bruins on November 18, 1993, against a San Jose Sharks team that included Latvian goaltender Artūrs Irbe.
A Tragic Loss
Žoltoks’s promising career and life were tragically cut short at the age of 31. While playing for HK Rīga 2000 in the Belarusian Hockey League, he collapsed on the bench during a game against Minsk Dinamo and could not be revived.
Latvian Hockey: A Nation’s Passion
The story of Tralmaks and Žoltoks highlights the deep passion for hockey in Latvia. The Latvian national hockey team currently holds the 10th ranking internationally (as of 2025) and is preparing to compete in the elite division of the 2026 World Championship. The team has participated in six Olympic Games (1936, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022) and achieved its best World Championship result with a bronze medal in 2023.
Key Latvian Hockey Figures
- Head Coach: Harijs Vītoliņš
- Captain: Kaspars Daugaviņš
- Most Games Played: Rodrigo Laviņš (230)
- Most Goals: Leonīds Tambijevs (66)
- Most Points: Leonīds Tambijevs (150)
FAQ
Q: Who was Sergejs Žoltoks?
A: Sergejs Žoltoks was a highly talented Latvian hockey player who played six World Championships and ten seasons in the NHL.
Q: Why does Eduards Tralmaks wear number 34?
A: He wears number 34 as a tribute to Sergejs Žoltoks, his childhood hockey idol.
Q: What is Latvia’s current ranking in international hockey?
A: As of 2025, Latvia is ranked 10th internationally.
Did you know? Latvia first played an international hockey game on February 27, 1932, defeating Lithuania 3-0 in Riga.
Pro Tip: Following the Latvian national team is a great way to experience the country’s vibrant sports culture.
Explore more about Latvian hockey and its rising stars. Share your favorite Latvian hockey memories in the comments below!
