Latvia’s U18 Hockey Team Gears Up for World Championship Challenge
Latvia’s U18 national ice hockey team is preparing for the upcoming World Championship, set to take place in Slovakia from April 22nd to May 2nd. Head coach Oļegs Sorokins has announced a preliminary roster of 30 players for a selection camp, signaling the start of a crucial phase in their preparation.
Selection Camp and Preparation Games
The selection camp will run from March 29th to April 4th. Following this intensive period, Sorokins will reveal the final roster for the World Championship training camp. A press conference announcing the team is scheduled for April 6th. The team will hone their skills with two exhibition matches against Poland on April 3rd and 4th, hosted at the Daugavas Ice Hall. These games will be live-streamed on www.latvijashokejs.tv.
Championship Details and Group Stage
Latvia will compete in the elite division of the U-18 World Championship, having consistently played in this group since 2019. This marks their seventh consecutive appearance in the top tier. They’ve been drawn into a challenging group alongside Canada, Finland, Norway, and Slovakia.
Coaching Staff and Support
Oļegs Sorokins will be supported by a strong coaching team, including Herberts Vasiļjevs, Maksims Širokovs, Raimonds Vilkoits, and goaltending coach Edgars Lūsiņš. Raivis Miezāns will oversee the players’ physical conditioning. Currently, Edgars Lūsiņš is occupied with commitments in the German league, and his responsibilities with the U18 team will be temporarily handled by Edgars Masaļskis, the U20 team’s goaltending coach.
Roster Highlights: A Blend of Local and International Talent
The preliminary roster showcases a mix of players from Latvian clubs and those developing their skills abroad. Players from HS Rīga are prominently featured. Several players are honing their skills in Sweden, Switzerland, the US, and Finland, demonstrating the growing international reach of Latvian hockey development.
The roster includes three goaltenders: Jegors Kirpičkins, Kristers Plēpis, and Roberts Kravalis. The defensive lineup features players like Tomass Erdmanis-Hermanis and Herberts Laugalis. Upfront, Kristers Obuks, Stefans Rot, and Ernests Krūmiņš are among the key offensive prospects.
Did you grasp?
Latvia has consistently competed in the U18 World Championship elite division since 2019, demonstrating the growing strength of their youth hockey program.
FAQ
Who is the head coach of the Latvian U18 team?
Oļegs Sorokins is the head coach.
Where will the U18 World Championship take place?
The championship will be held in Slovakia, in the cities of Bratislava and Trenčín.
When is the final roster announcement?
The final roster will be announced at a press conference on April 6th.
Where can I watch the preparation games?
The preparation games against Poland will be live-streamed on www.latvijashokejs.tv.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on players developing in North American leagues, as they often bring a different dimension to the Latvian team.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Latvian U18 team’s journey to the World Championship. Follow Latvijas Hokeja federācija for the latest news and announcements.
What are your predictions for the Latvian U18 team’s performance at the World Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
