Forward Raivis Ansons will join the training camp of the Latvian men’s hockey team at the beginning of next week, reports the Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF).
Anson’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton “Penguins” lost to the Allentown “Lehigh Valley Phantoms” 0-2 in the first round of the American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs, or the Calder Cup, in the series to two wins.
The Latvian forward scored two goals and five assists in 34 games in the AHL this season, and Ansons also played eight games in the ECHL team Wheeler Nailers, scoring two goals and an assist.
In the beginning of the training camp, the Latvian hockey players played two test matches with Austria, celebrating the victory in both with 3:2 in the shootouts, but last week the Latvians lost to the Finns twice with 2:3. This week, the Latvians met Switzerland twice on the road, losing to the hosts with 0:4 and 1:5.
The Latvian national team is scheduled to play six test matches at home and two away this spring. On May 3 and 4, the Latvians will meet Norway at home.
In the Latvian national team, the head coach Harijs Vītoliņš is assisted by coaches Lauris Dārziņš, Artūrs Irbe, Petri Nummelins, Ville Peltonens, Raimonds Vilkoits, video coach Pēteris Groms and physical training specialist Āriks Visockis.
The Latvian national team will go to the world championship in the Czech Republic on May 9.
The 2024 championship will take place in Prague and Ostrava from May 10 to 26.
Tags: Latvian hockey team strengthened striker Raivis Ansons
