Generals Nazarovs To Participate In Latvian U-18 Training Camp

Press Release

GLEN ALLEN, VA – The Richmond Generals are pleased to announce that rookie goaltender Kristaps Nazarovs (’95 birth year/Ventsplis, Latvia) will be returning to Latvia in early April to participate in training camp for the U-18 Latvian National team.  While participating in the training camp, Nazarovs will play in a two-game exhibition series against the U-18 Team Belarus.  Both games will take place in Volvo Ice Rink in Riga, Latvia, home of HK Prizma of the Latvian Professional League.  Prior to joining the Generals, Nazarovs spent the 2011-2012 season playing with HS Riga in the Latvia U-18 league.

If he is successful and makes the final roster, Nazarovs will go on to represent his native Latvia at the World U-18 Championships being held in Sochi, Russia later in April.  In a touch of irony, Team Latvia is coached by long time Latvian coach, Vjaceslavs Nazarovs, who is no relation to Nazarovs.

Nazarovs was nominated for the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League Rookie Of The Year Award after appearing in 12 games this season, posting 11 wins and 1 loss with a league leading 6 shutouts.  Nazarovs posted a 1.42 GAA and .943%, which was good enough for second in the MJHL, behind teammate Yoshihiro Kuroiwa (’93 birth year/Sapporo, Japan). 

“We are very proud of Kristaps for his accomplishment,” commented Richmond Generals General Manager and Head Coach R.C. Lyke.  “Kristaps had a great rookie season and will get a chance to showcase his talents for the entire world.”

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)