Latvian hockey will participate in Olympic Games

The Baltic Times

Feb 09, 2009

TBT Staff



Latvia hockey fans will be traveling to Vancouver to watch their team compete in their third Olympics

RIGA- The Latvian national men’s ice hockey team has qualified for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics after defeating Italy in the last game of the tournament. The final score was 4-1.

Forward Janis Sprukts who for the last year has been playing for the Florida Panthers, was named player of the game versus Italy.

The Latvian team in Group F of the qualifying tournament defeated Hungary and Ukraine before going on to win against Italy.

This will be the fourth winter Olympic Games for the Latvian National team. They have previously competed in the 1936 games in Germany, 2002 games in the U.S and the 2006 games in Italy.

The Latvian team has been coached by Olegs Znaroks since 2006.  

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games ice hockey competition begins February 16 in Vanocuver, Canada.