Riga, Latvia – The Latvian national ice hockey team officially began preparations for the 2026 IIHF World Championship on Monday, March 30th, at the Daugavas Ice Hall. Head coach Harijs Vītoliņš has assembled an initial 19-player roster as the team gears up for the tournament, which will be held from May 15th to 31st in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.
The initial group consists of two goaltenders, seven defensemen, and ten forwards. The team anticipates further additions as players complete their club seasons in Europe and North America. The Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF) will announce those additions as they become official.
This marks the formal start of a busy spring schedule for Latvia, culminating in the World Championship. The team’s preparation will include a series of exhibition games designed to build chemistry and refine strategies before facing the world’s best.
Early Roster Breakdown
The initial roster features a mix of established veterans and promising young talent. In goal, Latvia will look to Emīls Vītols, currently playing with Mikeli “Jukurit” in Finland, and Bruno Brūveris, who competes in the NCAA for RPI.
On the blue line, the defensive corps includes Ralfs Freibergs (Vītkovice “Ridera”, Czechia), Bogdans Hodass (Mikeli “Jukurit”, Finland), Sandis Smons (“Chur”, Switzerland), Nauris Sējējs (“GCK Lions”, Switzerland), Gustavs Ozoliņš (RPI, NCAA), Arvils Bergmanis (“Troja-Ljungby”, Sweden), and Rihards Simanovičs (Bowling Green State University, NCAA). This group blends experience with emerging talent, providing a solid foundation for the team’s defensive structure.
Up front, the forward group includes Renārs Krastenbergs (“Olomouc”, Czechia), Deniss Smirnovs (“Kloten”, Switzerland), Oskars Lapinskis (Langnau “Tigers”, Switzerland), Gļebs Prohorenkovs (Niagara University, NCAA), Rainers Rullers (RPI, NCAA), Kristaps Skrastiņš (New Hampshire University, NCAA), Rodžers Bukarts (“Arosa”, Switzerland), Klāvs Veinbergs (Colorado College, NCAA), Raimonds Vītoliņš (Olborg “Pirates”, Denmark), and Rihards Melnalksnis (“Chur”, Switzerland). This diverse group of forwards offers a range of offensive skills and playmaking abilities.
Exhibition Schedule
Latvia’s preparation will be tested through a series of international exhibition games. The team will first host Austria on April 8th and 9th at the “Xiaomi Arena” in Riga. These games will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s progress and fine-tune its systems in front of a home crowd.
Following the home games against Austria, Latvia will travel to Lahti, Finland, to face Denmark and Sweden on April 22nd and 23rd, respectively. These matchups against strong European opponents will offer a different challenge and aid the team adapt to various playing styles.
The exhibition schedule continues with away games against Slovakia on May 2nd and 3rd. Latvia will then return home to face Norway on May 6th and 7th, completing their pre-tournament preparation. All exhibition games will be broadcast live on TV6 in Latvia, allowing fans to follow the team’s journey to the World Championship.
World Championship Group Play
At the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, Latvia will compete in Group A in Zurich. They will face a challenging group that includes the host nation Switzerland, the United States, Finland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Great Britain. The competition will be fierce, and Latvia will need to be at its best to advance to the playoff rounds.
The team’s performance in the exhibition games will be crucial in determining its starting lineup and overall strategy for the tournament. Coach Vītoliņš and his staff will be closely evaluating each player’s performance and making adjustments as needed.
For Latvian hockey fans, the World Championship represents a significant opportunity to showcase the country’s growing talent on the international stage. The team’s success will depend on its ability to blend experience with youth, maintain a strong defensive structure, and capitalize on its offensive opportunities.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as Latvia prepares for the challenges ahead. The team’s dedication and hard operate will be essential in its quest for success at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
Latvia’s next confirmed action is the exhibition series against Austria, beginning April 8th in Riga. Fans can purchase tickets for these games at https://www.passportix.eu/lhf.
What are your predictions for Latvia at the World Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
