Vītoliņš opted to register seven defenders, 13 forwards and two goalkeepers for his first game on Saturday against Poland. Next up, the coach will watch the luck of the Latvians who are continuing their season in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Goalkeeper Ēriks Vītols, defender Arvils Bergmanis and forward Martins Laviņš will not initially be registered for the championship. Vītoliņš is mindful of the possibility that goaltender Arturs Šilovs, defenseman Uvis Balinskis and forward Teodors Bļugers could arrive from the NHL.
40 ice hockey players took part in team training during the preparation phase. The Latvian national team will travel to the World Championships in the Czech Republic on May 9.
The World Championships in the Czech Republic will start on May 10, while the Latvian team will start the group tournament on May 11 in Ostrava with a match against Poland.
Latvian national team hockey players to participate in the world championship:
Goalies: Elvis Merzļikins (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL), Kristers Gudļevskis (Fischtown Pinguins, Germany), Ēriks Vītols (KeuPa, Finland)
Defensemen: Oskars Cibuļskis (Blue Fox, Denmark), Ralfs Freibergs (Mountfield), Jānis Jaks, Kristaps Zīle (both Verva, Czech Republic), Roberta Mamčičs (Nove Zamky, Slovakia), Kārlis Čukste (Brynas, Sweden), Arvils Bergmanis (Alaska Fairbanks University, NCAA), Markuss Komuls (Lions, Canada).
Forwards: Kaspars Daugaviņš (Dukla, Slovakia), Roberts Bukarts, Rihards Bukarts (both Ridera, Czech Republic), Miks Indrašis (Brynas, Sweden), Oskars Batņa (Jukurit, Finland), Rodrigo Ābols (Rogle, Sweden), Haralds Egle (MHK 32, Slovakia), Mārtiņš Dzierkals (Skellefteå AIK, Sweden), Eduards Tralmaks (Rytīrži, Czech Republic), Renārs Krastenbergs (99ers, Austria), Raivis Ansons (Penguins, AHL), Fēlikss Gavars (St. Lawrence University, NCAA), Martins Laviņš (University of New Hampshire, NCAA), Dans Ločmelis (University of Massachusetts at Amherst, NCAA).
