Thirty candidates for the Latvian men’s U19 floorball team have traveled to Prague to compete in the international “Prague Games 2026” tournament, held from July 8 to July 11. According to head coach Artis Raitums, the squad is split into two teams to maximize international playing experience against a variety of European opponents.
How are the players preparing for international competition?
The Latvian delegation departed for the Czech Republic on Monday evening via bus. Head coach Artis Raitums stated that the long travel time is being utilized for individual meetings with each candidate. These sessions focus on evaluating performance from previous summer training camps in Talsi and Kocēni, specifically addressing ball control and off-ball movement. The goal, according to Raitums, is to provide direct feedback so players can compete more effectively for permanent roster spots.
The “Prague Games 2026” tournament features a high-intensity format where teams play 2×15 minute periods. With two or three matches scheduled per day, there is no time for traditional training sessions on-site.
What is the tournament structure for the Latvian squads?
The Latvian contingent is divided into two teams, each carrying 13 field players and two goaltenders. Raitums confirmed that one team is scheduled for four group-stage matches, while the other will play three. Following the group stage, every team is guaranteed at least two additional matches, with the possibility of further games depending on progression beyond the round of 16.
While the schedule is tight, Raitums mentioned that discussions have taken place with a Czech coach regarding a potential exhibition match. This friendly fixture remains contingent on the team’s arrival time and the overall tournament logistics.
How does the coaching staff evaluate talent?
Selection for the trip was based on a combination of physical testing and on-court performance during the summer preparation cycle. “We have brought the best junior-age players currently available,” Raitums noted. The tournament serves as a critical “international stage” to observe how these athletes adapt to foreign competition, particularly against Czech clubs whose playing styles vary.
Roster of U19 National Team Candidates
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Gvido Griezītis | FK Kurši |
| Eduards Meisters | FK Kurši |
| Edvards Egliens | FK Kurši |
| Markuss Nerets | FK Kurši |
| Artis Upītis | Irlava |
| Jorens Štāls | CPSS / Lekrings |
| Aleksis Saļkovs | Lielvārde / Ogre1 |
| Frīdrihs Feldmanis | Lielvārde / Ogre1 |
| Kārlis Viļums | FBK Valmiera / VSS |
| Klāvs Joja | SK Slampe / Zevid |
| Adrians Veldre | FBK Baloži / Teamsport.lv |
| Kārlis Laukmanis | Talsu NSS / Krauzers |
| Klāvs Vītols | Talsu NSS / Krauzers |
| Adrians Spunde | FBK Baloži / Teamsport.lv |
| Rūdolfs Niedrājs | Talsu NSS / Krauzers |
| Dāvis Auziņš | Talsu NSS / Krauzers |
| Anrijs Strazdiņš | Ķekavas Bulldogs |
| Emīls Kašs | Ķekavas Bulldogs |
| Renārs Vaļuks | Ķekavas Bulldogs |
| Artūrs Bratčikovs | Rubene KSS |
| Krišs Jančuks | Rubene KSS |
| Gustavs Liekniņš | FS Masters Ulbroka |
| Markus Sanders | FS Masters Ulbroka |
| Kārlis Felšus | FS Masters Ulbroka |
| Dāvids Cimža | FS Masters Ulbroka |
| Gustavs Alviķis | FS Masters Ulbroka |
| Haralds Ābele | Floorball Thurgau |
| Roberts Ābele | Floorball Thurgau |
| Kristaps Petrovskis | FS Masters Ulbroka |
| Gustavs Marks Zariņš | Hässelby SK IBK |
Technical Staff: Head Coach Artis Raitums, Physical Preparation Coach Mikus Embrekts, Coaches Toms Akmeņlauks and Pauls Erenbots, and Medic Evelīna Kasjaņenko.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the Prague Games held? The tournament takes place in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
- How many players are on the roster? There are 30 candidates currently participating in the tournament.
- What is the purpose of the trip? The primary objective is to gain international match experience and evaluate players for the U19 national team roster.
Stay tuned for further updates on the team’s performance throughout the tournament. Have a question about the U19 development program? Leave a comment below.
