Grand Rapids, MI – A mixed bag of results for Latvian players in the American Hockey League this past weekend, as Eduards Tralmaks found the back of the net while Sandis Vilmanis was held without a point. Both players continue to be key contributors for their respective teams as the AHL season progresses, with both the Grand Rapids Griffins and Charlotte Checkers eyeing playoff contention.
Tralmaks, playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins, scored a goal in a 4-1 loss to the Rockford IceHogs on Sunday. The goal, his 20th of the season, came in the second period, briefly narrowing the deficit to 3-1. According to the Hockeytown West Podcast’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Tralmaks’s shot came from the slot and was assisted by Alex Kannok Leipert. 🚨 EDUARDS TRALMAKS!!!!🚨
The 20-year-vintage forward has been a consistent offensive threat for the Griffins this season, now totaling 20 goals and 10 assists in 54 games. He also registered three shots on goal in Sunday’s contest, finishing with a neutral plus/minus rating. The Griffins, currently leading the Western Conference, have already secured a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Meanwhile, Vilmanis and the Charlotte Checkers enjoyed a more successful outing, defeating the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 6-2. While Vilmanis didn’t register a goal or assist, he played a significant role in the Checkers’ early offensive surge, earning two assists in the first period to help build a 2-0 lead. He was recognized as the game’s third star for his performance. Vilmanis recorded two shots on goal and accumulated four penalty minutes, finishing with a +3 rating.
Through 38 games this season, Vilmanis has 11 goals and 14 assists. The Checkers currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, positioning themselves well for a deep playoff run.
In other AHL action involving Latvian players, Ebotsford Canucks forward Henri Ravins was sidelined due to injury as his team fell to the San Jose Barracuda 4-2.
The performances of Tralmaks and Vilmanis are particularly noteworthy as both players were recently named to Latvia’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina. They join fellow AHLers Dans Locmelis of the Providence Bruins and Eriks Mateiko of the Hershey Bears on the Latvian Olympic team. Locmelis has 12 goals and nine assists in 30 games, while Mateiko has one goal and four assists in 25 games. Four AHL players named to Latvia’s Olympic team
The inclusion of these players highlights the growing presence of Latvian talent in the AHL and their potential to make a significant impact on the international stage. AHL alumni Arturs Silovs, the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs MVP, and Kaspars Daugavins, a former Calder Cup champion, also feature on Latvia’s Olympic roster, adding experience and depth to the team.
For Tralmaks, this season with the Griffins represents a continuation of his development as a promising young player. His ability to score goals and contribute offensively has made him a valuable asset to the team. Vilmanis, similarly, has established himself as a key playmaker for the Checkers, consistently creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The AHL serves as a crucial developmental league for aspiring NHL players, and the success of these Latvian players demonstrates the league’s ability to nurture talent from around the world. As the season progresses, both Tralmaks and Vilmanis will look to continue their strong performances and help their teams make a push for the Calder Cup.
What’s Next: The Grand Rapids Griffins will continue their regular season schedule with a game against the Milwaukee Admirals on Wednesday, March 25th. The Charlotte Checkers will face the Springfield Thunderbirds on Friday, March 27th. Fans can follow AHL action on the league’s official website and through team-specific broadcasts.
What do you think of the Latvian players’ performances in the AHL? Let us know in the comments below!
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