Sandis Ozolinsh
Encyclopedia
Sandis Ozoliņš commonly known as Sandis Ozolinsh (icon) in North America, is a Latvia
n ice hockey
player and captain
of Dinamo Riga
in the Kontinental Hockey League
. During his career in North America, Ozoliņš was a seven-time NHL All-Star
, Stanley Cup
champion, and Norris Trophy finalist. He is also the all-time leader for goals, assists, points and games played by a Latvian in the NHL
and holds several Colorado Avalanche
and San Jose Sharks
franchise records. Ozoliņš also was the highest paid sportsman in Latvian history, before NBA basketball
player Andris Biedriņš
succeeded him in 2008.
Ozoliņš was drafted
in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft
by the San Jose Sharks
as the 8th pick of the 2nd round, 30th overall. He played for the Sharks, Colorado Avalanche
, Carolina Hurricanes
, Florida Panthers
, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
and New York Rangers
. He is often considered a prototype "offensive defenseman," becoming heavily involved in his team's offense and scoring opportunities.
and had played for the Kansas City Blades
, a minor league team in the International Hockey League. He and Latvian teammate Arturs Irbe
won a Turner Cup
with the Blades in 1992.
/Avalanche forward
Owen Nolan
. In 66 games during his first season, Ozoliņš scored 50 total points, with more than half on the power play
. Ozoliņš won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1996. The following season Colorado won the Presidents' Trophy
. After losing to the Detroit Red Wings
in the 1997 conference finals, Ozolinsh finished third in votes for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's most outstanding defenceman. In the regular season he scored a career-high 68 points, second in the league for defencemen after Brian Leetch
. Ozoliņš scored his first career hat trick
on December 6, 1999 against the Vancouver Canucks
. 1999 was his final year in Denver, in which Ozolinsh made $4 million as Colorado's third-highest paid player.
, Ozoliņš was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Nolan Pratt
and draft picks that became Vaclav Nedorost
, Jared Aulin
, and Agris Saviels
. The agreement reunited Ozolinsh with fellow Latvian Arturs Irbe
. They had played together in Latvia and San Jose, shared an agent and together fund a youth hockey organization that buys equipment for children in Latvia. After expiration of Ozoliņš' Avalanche deal, he signed a five-year contract with Carolina worth more than $25 million. "When you have a player like Sandis, you're willing to spend the money," general manager Jim Rutherford
said. Ozolinsh didn't help Hurricanes to advance in the playoffs, and played just one and a half seasons with Carolina before being traded to the Florida Panthers.
in exchange for Bret Hedican
, Kevyn Adams
, Tomas Malec
and a draft pick. Ozolinsh made his Panthers debut against Chicago on January 16, 2002. He wore #44 because #8 was already worn by Peter Worrell
. Ozoliņš scored 10 goals and 19 assists in the remaining 37 games of the season. The Panthers did not make the playoffs during his time in Florida.
, Pavel Trnka
and a draft pick. During the 2003 NHL All-Star weekend (several days after he had been traded), Ozolinsh skipped the NHL All-Star skills competition where he would have had to wear a Panthers uniform. "Participating in the All-Star Game is one thing, but the skills competition is another," said Ozolinsh, who was voted as an Eastern Conference starter. "It would look really unusual for a player to be representing his old team, so I thought this was the right thing to do." He was fined an undisclosed amount by the league. Upon his arrival with the Ducks, Ozolinsh helped the club reach their first first Stanley Cup Final, losing a seven-game series to the New Jersey Devils
. In 2003–04, Ozolinsh battled injuries and was limited to 36 games.
of the American Hockey League
(AHL), but a short while later was put on the injured reserve
list due to a knee injury.
of the AHL and being cleared to play by doctors within the league's substance abuse program, he signed a one-year contract with San Jose on November 2, 2007. "That was a big turnaround this summer and I'm finally comfortable with what I am and what has happened, I actually feel pretty good and I do what I have to do and I do what I was advised to do. And I do it for myself and not for anybody else," said Ozolinsh. In the 2007–08 NHL season he scored 3 goals and 13 assists in 39 games for the Sharks.
for a one-year deal worth $0.8 million, but he declined it and went hiatus from hockey for a year.
On July 13, 2009, unexpectedly Ozoliņš signed a one-year deal with KHL home country team Dinamo Riga
in which he started his senior career in 1990. Ozoliņš got back his #8 - the same number which he wore while playing for his first senior career team Dinamo Riga. By then Ozoliņš was attached as a captain for the first time in his career. In 2009–10 KHL season
he was leading defender in team by points scoring 5 goals and 20 assists in 43 games. In January 2010, Ozolinsh was selected to play on the starting roster for the Jaromír Jágr
team in the KHL All-Star game
, he was also selected to play in KHL All-Star skills competition, but, due to micro-injury, played only the first period and withdrew from skills competition. On May 18, 2010, Ozolinsh extended his contract with Dinamo for another year.
At the start of 2010–11 KHL season
Ozolinsh was honoured as league's best defenseman of the starting month after he registered 1 goal and 11 assists in first 11 games at the time being league's leader in assists. On November 28 he suffered injury in the game against HC Sibir and missed all of the December due to broken ribs. In January 2011, Ozolinsh was again selected to play on the starting roster in the KHL All-Star game
. During 2011–12 KHL season
league's officials confirmed, that All-Star Game 2012
, which will take place on the 21st of January, 2012, in Riga, Latvia, Western Conference team will be captained by Sandis Ozolinsh, named as "Team Ozolins" and Eastern Conference team by Sergei Fedorov
, named as "Team Fedorov".
and most recently in Jūrmala
, Latvia. Ozolinsh was the owner of Vilki OP/LaRocca
of the Riga Open Championship until it's defunct in 2006. Ozolinsh also owns other Latvian sports ventures, including Latvia's first 18-hole golf
course, Ozo Golf Club. In December, 2009, Ozolinsh was voted as 2009 most popular sportsman in Latvia by internet voters.
team
individual
KHL
Other
, where he won a silver medal, losing the in the gold medal game to Canada. Following the breakup of the Soviet Union
he was playing under the new flag of the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS) and won a gold medal at the 1992 World Junior Championships
. Ozolinsh didn't play in internationally until 1998 due to injuries and the NHL playoffs schedule. In 1998, after losing with Avalanche to Oilers in playoffs 1st round 7-game, Ozolinsh was able to rush to Switzerland
and made his debut for Latvia in elite division, where team Latvia qualified second time since it's independence in 1991. At the tournament he registered 1 goal and 2 assists. He again helped for his nation for Men's World Ice Hockey Championship
, he was able participation because of the Hurricanes
loss in Conference quarterfinals. Latvia finished the tournament in 13th place. He played in next year's championship
as well and one game during the 2002 Winter Olympics Ice hockey tournament
. In the game verus Slovakia, Ozolinsh registered 4 assists helping Latvia to a 6-6 tie. After a 3 year absence Ozolinsh helped Latvia qualify for the 2006 Winter Olympics Ice hockey tournament
. It was his last international tournament, he announced his international retirement to the media following the conclusion of the Olympics.
1 - During the tournament, USSR broke up and the team was recalled as CIS
national team, but Ozoliņš and Sergei Zholtok
were from Latvia, which wasn't member of CIS so other teams protested, but the protest was denied.
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
n ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
player and captain
Captain (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, each team can designate an official captain for each game. The player serving as captain during the game wears a "C" on his or her jersey...
of Dinamo Riga
Dinamo Riga
Dinamo Riga was an ice hockey club, based in Riga, Latvia. It was founded in 1946 and disestablished in 1995 as Pārdaugava Rīga.-History of Dinamo Riga:...
in the Kontinental Hockey League
Kontinental Hockey League
The Kontinental Hockey League is an international professional ice hockey league in Eurasia founded in 2008. As of 2009, it is ranked as the strongest hockey league in Europe....
. During his career in North America, Ozoliņš was a seven-time NHL All-Star
National Hockey League All-Star Game
The National Hockey League All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that is traditionally held at the midway point of the regular season of the National Hockey League , with many of the league's star players playing against each other...
, Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
champion, and Norris Trophy finalist. He is also the all-time leader for goals, assists, points and games played by a Latvian in the NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
and holds several Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
and San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
franchise records. Ozoliņš also was the highest paid sportsman in Latvian history, before NBA basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player Andris Biedriņš
Andris Biedrinš
Andris Biedriņš is a Latvian professional basketball player who plays the power forward and center positions for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. He was drafted by the Warriors with the 11th overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft.-FIBA career:...
succeeded him in 2008.
Ozoliņš was drafted
NHL Entry Draft
The NHL Entry Draft is an annual meeting in which every franchise of the National Hockey League systematically select the rights to available amateur ice hockey players who meet draft eligibility requirements...
in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft
1991 NHL Entry Draft
The 1991 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 22 at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. A total of 264 players were drafted. The draft was famous for the controversy surrounding star first overall draft pick, touted by some observers to be The Next One, Eric Lindros, who was drafted by the...
by the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
as the 8th pick of the 2nd round, 30th overall. He played for the Sharks, Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
, Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
, Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
and New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
. He is often considered a prototype "offensive defenseman," becoming heavily involved in his team's offense and scoring opportunities.
Early playing career
Ozoliņš was drafted 30th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft1991 NHL Entry Draft
The 1991 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 22 at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. A total of 264 players were drafted. The draft was famous for the controversy surrounding star first overall draft pick, touted by some observers to be The Next One, Eric Lindros, who was drafted by the...
and had played for the Kansas City Blades
Kansas City Blades
The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena....
, a minor league team in the International Hockey League. He and Latvian teammate Arturs Irbe
Arturs Irbe
Artūrs Irbe is a former Soviet and Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender. He has played in the National Hockey League for the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets. He served as the goaltending coach for the Washington Capitals...
won a Turner Cup
Turner Cup
The Turner Cup is the championship trophy of the International Hockey League. The Cup is named for Joe Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario. Turner became professional with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played one season with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League...
with the Blades in 1992.
San Jose Sharks
Ozoliņš joined the Sharks in 1992–93, scoring 23 points in 37 games. He missed the majority of his rookie season recovering from knee injury suffered in a game against Philadelphia on December 30, 1992. After recovering from his injury, Ozoliņš ended the 1993–94 season with an 81-game, 64-point sophomore effort, leading the league in goals by a defenceman. Ozolinsh helped the Sharks to move beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, losing in the conference semifinals.Colorado Avalanche
At the start of the 1995-96 season, San Jose traded Ozoliņš for NordiquesColorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
/Avalanche forward
Forward (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, a forward is a player position on the ice whose primary responsibility is to score goals. Generally, the forwards try to stay in three different lanes, also known as thirds, of the ice going from goal to goal. It is not mandatory however, to stay in a lane. Staying in a lane aids in...
Owen Nolan
Owen Nolan
Owen Liam Nolan is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, who is currently a free agent. He has played in the National Hockey League for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames and the Minnesota Wild before signing with...
. In 66 games during his first season, Ozoliņš scored 50 total points, with more than half on the power play
Power play (sport)
"Power play" is a sporting term used in various games.*In ice hockey, a team is said to be on a power play when at least one opposing player is serving a penalty, and the team has a numerical advantage on the ice...
. Ozoliņš won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1996. The following season Colorado won the Presidents' Trophy
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000...
. After losing to the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
in the 1997 conference finals, Ozolinsh finished third in votes for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's most outstanding defenceman. In the regular season he scored a career-high 68 points, second in the league for defencemen after Brian Leetch
Brian Leetch
Brian Joseph Leetch is a retired American professional ice hockey defenseman who played 18 National Hockey League seasons with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins. He is generally considered one of the top defensemen in NHL history, being particularly noted for his...
. Ozoliņš scored his first career hat trick
Hat Trick
Hat trick, hat-trick or hattrick may refer to:* hat-trick — in various sports, achieving three goals, wickets, etc. in a single match* Hattrick — online football management game** Hattrick Limited — producers of this game...
on December 6, 1999 against the Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
. 1999 was his final year in Denver, in which Ozolinsh made $4 million as Colorado's third-highest paid player.
Carolina Hurricanes
During the 2000 NHL Entry Draft2000 NHL Entry Draft
The 2000 NHL Entry Draft was held from June 24 to 25 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, following the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft on June 23 for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild...
, Ozoliņš was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Nolan Pratt
Nolan Pratt
Nolan Pratt is a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently an assistant coach for the Springfield Falcons.-Playing career:...
and draft picks that became Vaclav Nedorost
Vaclav Nedorost
-International:-External links:...
, Jared Aulin
Jared Aulin
-International:-Awards:WHL-Personal:While playing with the Los Angeles Kings, Aulin was rumored to be dating Paris Hilton. - External links :...
, and Agris Saviels
Agris Saviels
Agris Saviels is an Latvian professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for Italian Serie A club HC Valpellice.-Playing career:...
. The agreement reunited Ozolinsh with fellow Latvian Arturs Irbe
Arturs Irbe
Artūrs Irbe is a former Soviet and Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender. He has played in the National Hockey League for the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets. He served as the goaltending coach for the Washington Capitals...
. They had played together in Latvia and San Jose, shared an agent and together fund a youth hockey organization that buys equipment for children in Latvia. After expiration of Ozoliņš' Avalanche deal, he signed a five-year contract with Carolina worth more than $25 million. "When you have a player like Sandis, you're willing to spend the money," general manager Jim Rutherford
Jim Rutherford
James Earl Rutherford is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings in the 1970s and 1980s...
said. Ozolinsh didn't help Hurricanes to advance in the playoffs, and played just one and a half seasons with Carolina before being traded to the Florida Panthers.
Florida Panthers
Ozolinsh became a Panther after being acquired in 2001–02 mid-season from Carolina along with Byron RitchieByron Ritchie
Byron Ritchie is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward playing for Modo Hockey of the Swedish Elitserien.-Playing career:...
in exchange for Bret Hedican
Bret Hedican
Bret Michael Hedican is a retired American professional ice hockey player and a two-time US Olympian.-Playing career:Hedican was drafted 198th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. A product of St. Cloud State University, Hedican made his NHL debut in the 1991–92 season with...
, Kevyn Adams
Kevyn Adams
Kevyn W. Adams is a retired professional ice hockey center in the National Hockey League who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes and the Chicago Blackhawks, and is currently the Associate Coach for the Buffalo Sabres...
, Tomas Malec
Tomas Malec
Tomáš Malec is a Slovakian professional ice hockey player. Malec plays for HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Republic.-Playing career:...
and a draft pick. Ozolinsh made his Panthers debut against Chicago on January 16, 2002. He wore #44 because #8 was already worn by Peter Worrell
Peter Worrell
Peter Worrell , is a retired professional ice hockey player. Worrell played seven seasons in the National Hockey League for the Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche. During that time he was considered one of the most feared enforcers in the game.-Junior career:Worrell was a member of the...
. Ozoliņš scored 10 goals and 19 assists in the remaining 37 games of the season. The Panthers did not make the playoffs during his time in Florida.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
In midseason 2002–03, the Panthers sent Ozoliņš to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for Matt CullenMatt Cullen
Matthew David Cullen is a professional ice hockey center, who currently is an alternate captain of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL.-Playing career:...
, Pavel Trnka
Pavel Trnka
Pavel Trnka is a Czech ice hockey defenceman currently playing for HC Vítkovice of the Czech Extraliga....
and a draft pick. During the 2003 NHL All-Star weekend (several days after he had been traded), Ozolinsh skipped the NHL All-Star skills competition where he would have had to wear a Panthers uniform. "Participating in the All-Star Game is one thing, but the skills competition is another," said Ozolinsh, who was voted as an Eastern Conference starter. "It would look really unusual for a player to be representing his old team, so I thought this was the right thing to do." He was fined an undisclosed amount by the league. Upon his arrival with the Ducks, Ozolinsh helped the club reach their first first Stanley Cup Final, losing a seven-game series to the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. In 2003–04, Ozolinsh battled injuries and was limited to 36 games.
New York Rangers
Following the lockout in 2004–05, Ozolinsh was dealt to the New York Rangers at the trading deadline for a third-round draft pick (which the Rangers had obtained earlier in a trade with the San Jose Sharks). With 14 points in 19 games in the 2005–06 season, Ozolinsh helped his team to advance to the playoffs, for which the Rangers had not qualified since 1997. In the next season on December 18, 2006, on the heels of a 6–1 loss to New Jersey, the Rangers placed Ozolinsh on waivers. After clearing waivers, Ozolinsh was assigned to the Hartford Wolf PackHartford Wolf Pack
The Connecticut Whale is a professional ice hockey team based in Hartford, Connecticut. They play in the American Hockey League . They play their home games at the XL Center....
of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
(AHL), but a short while later was put on the injured reserve
Injured reserve
The injured reserve list is a list of reserved players who are injured and unable to play for a period of time, used most prominently in the National Hockey League and National Football League . It is used because these leagues have a maximum number of players on the team roster, so placing a...
list due to a knee injury.
Return to Sharks
Ozoliņš' later entered into the league's substance abuse program following a drunk driving arrest. After playing 2 games for the Worcester SharksWorcester Sharks
The Worcester Sharks are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . The franchise is located in Worcester, Massachusetts and play their home games at the DCU Center in Downtown Worcester. The Sharks and the city of Worcester hosted the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic.-History:On...
of the AHL and being cleared to play by doctors within the league's substance abuse program, he signed a one-year contract with San Jose on November 2, 2007. "That was a big turnaround this summer and I'm finally comfortable with what I am and what has happened, I actually feel pretty good and I do what I have to do and I do what I was advised to do. And I do it for myself and not for anybody else," said Ozolinsh. In the 2007–08 NHL season he scored 3 goals and 13 assists in 39 games for the Sharks.
Return to home
After season with Sharks Ozoliņš had a contract offer from Los Angeles KingsLos Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
for a one-year deal worth $0.8 million, but he declined it and went hiatus from hockey for a year.
On July 13, 2009, unexpectedly Ozoliņš signed a one-year deal with KHL home country team Dinamo Riga
Dinamo Riga
Dinamo Riga was an ice hockey club, based in Riga, Latvia. It was founded in 1946 and disestablished in 1995 as Pārdaugava Rīga.-History of Dinamo Riga:...
in which he started his senior career in 1990. Ozoliņš got back his #8 - the same number which he wore while playing for his first senior career team Dinamo Riga. By then Ozoliņš was attached as a captain for the first time in his career. In 2009–10 KHL season
2009–10 KHL season
The 2009–10 KHL season was the second season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It was held from 10 September 2009 to 27 April 2010, with a break for the Olympic winter games from 8 February to 3 March...
he was leading defender in team by points scoring 5 goals and 20 assists in 43 games. In January 2010, Ozolinsh was selected to play on the starting roster for the Jaromír Jágr
Jaromir Jagr
Jaromír Jágr is a Czech professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League . Jágr formerly played with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers, serving as captain of the Penguins and the Rangers...
team in the KHL All-Star game
Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game
The Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that marks the midway point of the Kontinental Hockey League's regular season, with many of the league's star players playing against each other...
, he was also selected to play in KHL All-Star skills competition, but, due to micro-injury, played only the first period and withdrew from skills competition. On May 18, 2010, Ozolinsh extended his contract with Dinamo for another year.
At the start of 2010–11 KHL season
2010–11 KHL season
The 2010–11 KHL season is the third season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It was held from 8 September 2010 and ended on 16 April 2011.The season started with the Opening Cup game between the last season's finalists, Ak Bars Kazan and the new team that was created by merging last season's...
Ozolinsh was honoured as league's best defenseman of the starting month after he registered 1 goal and 11 assists in first 11 games at the time being league's leader in assists. On November 28 he suffered injury in the game against HC Sibir and missed all of the December due to broken ribs. In January 2011, Ozolinsh was again selected to play on the starting roster in the KHL All-Star game
Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game
The Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that marks the midway point of the Kontinental Hockey League's regular season, with many of the league's star players playing against each other...
. During 2011–12 KHL season
2011–12 KHL season
The 2011–12 KHL season is the fourth season of the Kontinental Hockey League. The regular season originally began on 7 September 2011 with the Opening Cup game, but because of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash, which killed all but one member of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team, the start of the...
league's officials confirmed, that All-Star Game 2012
4th Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game
The 4th Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game will be the All-Star game for the 2011-12 season of the Kontinental Hockey League . It will take place on 21 and 22 January 2012 at the Arena Riga in Rīga, Latvia.-External links:*...
, which will take place on the 21st of January, 2012, in Riga, Latvia, Western Conference team will be captained by Sandis Ozolinsh, named as "Team Ozolins" and Eastern Conference team by Sergei Fedorov
Sergei Fedorov
Sergei Viktorovich Fedorov is a Russian professional ice hockey forward and occasional defenceman...
, named as "Team Fedorov".
Personal life
Ozoliņš was married to his secondary school schoolmate Sandra Ozolina for more than 15 years, when in May, 2010 Ozolinsh submitted an application for divorce. He has two sons - Roberts(born in 1994) and Christopher(born in 1996). Ozolinsh now is dating Latvian TV ex-diva Anna Lieckalnina. During the off-season Ozoliņš resides in Denver, ColoradoColorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
and most recently in Jūrmala
Jurmala
Jūrmala is a city in Latvia, about 25 kilometers west of Riga. Jūrmala is a resort town stretching and sandwiched between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River...
, Latvia. Ozolinsh was the owner of Vilki OP/LaRocca
Vilki OP/LaRocca
Vilki OP/LaRocca was ice hockey club from Riga in Latvia. The club owner was 7-time NHL All-star defenseman Sandis Ozoliņš.-Current roster:As of February 5, 2006Goaltenders:* 1 Andrejs Žagars*61 Viktors DurnovsDefensemen:...
of the Riga Open Championship until it's defunct in 2006. Ozolinsh also owns other Latvian sports ventures, including Latvia's first 18-hole golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
course, Ozo Golf Club. In December, 2009, Ozolinsh was voted as 2009 most popular sportsman in Latvia by internet voters.
Awards
NHLteam
- Stanley CupStanley CupThe Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
– 1996 - President's Trophy – 1997
- Clarence S. Campbell BowlClarence S. Campbell BowlThe Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, or simply the Campbell Bowl, is a National Hockey League trophy awarded to the Western Conference playoff champions. It is named after Clarence S. Campbell, who served as President of the NHL from to . The trophy itself is constructed of sterling silver, crafted in...
– 19961996 Stanley Cup PlayoffsThe 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began in April, 1996. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions played a...
, 20032003 Stanley Cup PlayoffsThe 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs, the National Hockey League championship, began on April 9, 2003, following the 2002–03 regular season. The playoffs concluded on June 9, 2003, with the New Jersey Devils defeating the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in seven games.The sixteen qualifying teams played...
individual
- Norris Trophy – Finalist: 1997
- NHL First Team All-StarNHL All-Star TeamThe NHL All-Star Teams were first named at the end of the 1930–31 NHL season, to honor the best performers over the season at each position.Representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association vote for the All-Star Team at the end of the regular season.The career leaders in citations are...
– 1997 - NHL All-Star Game appearances – 199445th National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 45th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in New York City, New York, on January 22, 1994.- Super Skills Competition :The Western Conference would win the Skills Competition for the second straight season...
, 199747th National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 47th National Hockey League All-Star Game took place on January 18, 1997 at the San Jose Arena. The final score was Eastern Conference 11, Western Conference 7. This game was originally scheduled for the 1994-95 season, but was cancelled due to the 1994-95 NHL lockout.-Super Skills...
, 199848th National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 48th National Hockey League All-Star Game took place at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, home to the Vancouver Canucks, on January 18, 1998.-The International Showdown:...
, 200050th National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 50th National Hockey League All-Star Game was part of the 1999–2000 NHL season, and took place in Toronto's Air Canada Centre on February 6, 2000....
, 200151st National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 51st National Hockey League All-Star Game took place on February 4, 2001, at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The final score was North America 14, World 12.-Super Skills Competition:...
, 200252nd National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 52nd National Hockey League All-Star Game took place on February 2, 2002, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The final score was World 8, North America 5. This was the last National Hockey League All-Star Game to have the North America vs...
, 200353rd National Hockey League All-Star GameThe 53rd National Hockey League All-Star Game was held during the 2002–03 NHL season, and took place at the Office Depot Center in Sunrise, Florida, the home of the Florida Panthers, on February 2, 2003...
(7 total)
KHL
- KHL All-Star GameKontinental Hockey League All-Star GameThe Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that marks the midway point of the Kontinental Hockey League's regular season, with many of the league's star players playing against each other...
appearances – 20102nd Kontinental Hockey League All-Star GameThe 2nd Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game was the All-Star game for the 2009–10 Kontinental Hockey League season. It took place on 30 January 2010, at the new Minsk-Arena in Minsk, Belarus. As in the previous year, Team Jágr won against Team Yashin, this time with a score of...
, 20113rd Kontinental Hockey League All-Star GameThe 3rd Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game was the All-Star game for the 2010–11 season of the Kontinental Hockey League . It took place on 5 February 2011 at the Ice Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia...
, 20124th Kontinental Hockey League All-Star GameThe 4th Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game will be the All-Star game for the 2011-12 season of the Kontinental Hockey League . It will take place on 21 and 22 January 2012 at the Arena Riga in Rīga, Latvia.-External links:*...
(3 total)
Other
- In 1991 Ozolinsh won the silver medal in World Junior Championships playing for Soviet Union.
- In 1992 Ozolinsh won the gold medal in World Junior Championships playing for Commonwealth of Independent StatesCommonwealth of Independent StatesThe Commonwealth of Independent States is a regional organization whose participating countries are former Soviet Republics, formed during the breakup of the Soviet Union....
(CIS). - In 1992 Ozolinsh won IHL Turner CupTurner CupThe Turner Cup is the championship trophy of the International Hockey League. The Cup is named for Joe Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario. Turner became professional with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played one season with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League...
with Kansas City BladesKansas City BladesThe Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena....
together with fellow Latvian Arturs IrbeArturs IrbeArtūrs Irbe is a former Soviet and Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender. He has played in the National Hockey League for the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets. He served as the goaltending coach for the Washington Capitals...
.
Colorado Avalanche records
- Most single regular season goals by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 23
- Most single regular season points by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 68
- Most all-time regular season goals by an Avalanche defenseman - 72
- Most single playoff assists by an Avalanche defenseman (1995–96) - 14
- Most single playoff points by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 19 (shared with Rob BlakeRob BlakeRobert Bowlby Blake is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, appearing in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy and serving as team captain for five seasons in his initial 11 season-stint with...
) - Most all-time playoff goals by an Avalanche defenseman - 18
- Most all-time playoff assists by an Avalanche defenseman - 49
- Most all-time playoff points by an Avalanche defenseman - 67
San Jose Sharks records
- Most all-time regular season goals by a Sharks defenseman - 46
- Most single regular season goals by a Sharks defenseman (1993–94) - 26
- Most single regular season points by a Sharks defenseman (1993–94) - 64
Transactions
- October 26, 1995 - Traded by the San Jose SharksSan Jose SharksThe San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
to the Colorado AvalancheColorado AvalancheThe Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
in exchange for Owen NolanOwen NolanOwen Liam Nolan is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, who is currently a free agent. He has played in the National Hockey League for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames and the Minnesota Wild before signing with...
.
- June 24, 2000 - Traded by the Colorado Avalanche, along with Columbus' 2000 2nd round draft choice, to the Carolina HurricanesCarolina HurricanesThe Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
in exchange for Nolan PrattNolan PrattNolan Pratt is a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently an assistant coach for the Springfield Falcons.-Playing career:...
, Carolina's 2000 1st round draft choice, Carolina's 2nd round draft choice and Philadelphia's 2000 2nd round draft choice.
- January 16, 2002 - Traded by the Carolina Hurricanes, along with Byron RitchieByron RitchieByron Ritchie is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward playing for Modo Hockey of the Swedish Elitserien.-Playing career:...
, to the Florida PanthersFlorida PanthersThe Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
in exchange for Bret HedicanBret HedicanBret Michael Hedican is a retired American professional ice hockey player and a two-time US Olympian.-Playing career:Hedican was drafted 198th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. A product of St. Cloud State University, Hedican made his NHL debut in the 1991–92 season with...
, Kevyn AdamsKevyn AdamsKevyn W. Adams is a retired professional ice hockey center in the National Hockey League who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes and the Chicago Blackhawks, and is currently the Associate Coach for the Buffalo Sabres...
and Tomáš MalecTomas MalecTomáš Malec is a Slovakian professional ice hockey player. Malec plays for HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Republic.-Playing career:...
.
- Monday, July 24, 2000 - Signed a five-year contract with Carolina Hurricanes worth more than $25 million
- January 30, 2003 - Traded by the Florida Panthers, along with Lance WardLance WardLance Ward is an inactive Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He holds the current Elitserien record for most penalty minutes during one season.-Playing career:...
to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in exchange for Pavel TrnkaPavel TrnkaPavel Trnka is a Czech ice hockey defenceman currently playing for HC Vítkovice of the Czech Extraliga....
, Matt CullenMatt CullenMatthew David Cullen is a professional ice hockey center, who currently is an alternate captain of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL.-Playing career:...
and Anaheim's 2003 4th round draft choice.
- March 9, 2006 - Traded by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the New York Rangers in exchange for New York's 2006 3rd round draft choice.
- November 2, 2007 - Signed a one year deal for $0.65 million with the San Jose Sharks.
- July 13, 2009 - Signed a one year deal with the Dinamo RigaDinamo RigaDinamo Riga was an ice hockey club, based in Riga, Latvia. It was founded in 1946 and disestablished in 1995 as Pārdaugava Rīga.-History of Dinamo Riga:...
.
- May 18, 2010 - Extended contract with Dinamo Riga for 2010–11 KHL season.
- April 19, 2011 - Extended contract with Dinamo Riga for 2011–12 KHL season.
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1990–91 | Dynamo Riga | Soviet | 44 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 51 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1991–92 | Stars Riga | CIS | 30 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 42 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1991–92 | Kansas City Blades Kansas City Blades The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena.... |
IHL | 34 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 22 | ||
| 1992–93 | San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
37 | 7 | 16 | 23 | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1993–94 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 81 | 26 | 38 | 64 | 24 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 8 | ||
| 1994–95 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 48 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 30 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 | ||
| 1995–96 | San Francisco Spiders San Francisco Spiders The San Francisco Spiders were a professional ice hockey team based in Daly City, California. They were members of the South Division of the former International Hockey League... |
IHL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 7 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 | Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... |
NHL | 66 | 13 | 37 | 50 | 50 | 22 | 5 | 14 | 19 | 16 | ||
| 1996–97 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 80 | 23 | 45 | 68 | 88 | 17 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 24 | ||
| 1997–98 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 66 | 13 | 38 | 51 | 65 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 | ||
| 1998–99 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 39 | 7 | 25 | 32 | 22 | 19 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 22 | ||
| 1999–00 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 82 | 16 | 36 | 52 | 46 | 17 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 20 | ||
| 2000–01 | Carolina Hurricanes Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center... |
NHL | 72 | 12 | 32 | 44 | 71 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | ||
| 2001–02 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 46 | 4 | 19 | 23 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2001–02 | Florida Panthers Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... |
NHL | 37 | 10 | 19 | 29 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 51 | 7 | 19 | 26 | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | NHL | 31 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 16 | 21 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 10 | ||
| 2003–04 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | NHL | 36 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | NHL | 17 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
NHL | 14 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | ||
| 2006–07 | New York Rangers | NHL | 21 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 2007–08 AHL season The 2007–08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Chicago Wolves won their second Calder Cup, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final.-Team changes:... |
Worcester Sharks Worcester Sharks The Worcester Sharks are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . The franchise is located in Worcester, Massachusetts and play their home games at the DCU Center in Downtown Worcester. The Sharks and the city of Worcester hosted the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic.-History:On... |
AHL American Hockey League The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League... |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 39 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 KHL season The 2009–10 KHL season was the second season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It was held from 10 September 2009 to 27 April 2010, with a break for the Olympic winter games from 8 February to 3 March... |
Dinamo Riga Dinamo Riga Dinamo Riga was an ice hockey club, based in Riga, Latvia. It was founded in 1946 and disestablished in 1995 as Pārdaugava Rīga.-History of Dinamo Riga:... |
KHL | 43 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 109 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 24 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 KHL season The 2010–11 KHL season is the third season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It was held from 8 September 2010 and ended on 16 April 2011.The season started with the Opening Cup game between the last season's finalists, Ak Bars Kazan and the new team that was created by merging last season's... |
Dinamo Riga | KHL | 41 | 6 | 26 | 32 | 62 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 12 | ||
| NHL totals | 875 | 167 | 397 | 564 | 638 | 137 | 23 | 67 | 90 | 131 | ||||
| KHL totals | 84 | 11 | 46 | 57 | 171 | 17 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 36 | ||||
International play
Ozolinsh, who was born in Latvia, played hockey for the Soviet Union, while it still existence until 1990–91. His first major international tournament was 1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
The 1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships was the 15th edition of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was held in various communities in Saskatchewan, Canada...
, where he won a silver medal, losing the in the gold medal game to Canada. Following the breakup of the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
he was playing under the new flag of the Commonwealth of Independent States
Commonwealth of Independent States
The Commonwealth of Independent States is a regional organization whose participating countries are former Soviet Republics, formed during the breakup of the Soviet Union....
(CIS) and won a gold medal at the 1992 World Junior Championships
1992 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
The 1992 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships was the 16th edition of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was held from December 26, 1991 until January 4, 1992. It was held in Füssen and Kaufbeuren, Germany...
. Ozolinsh didn't play in internationally until 1998 due to injuries and the NHL playoffs schedule. In 1998, after losing with Avalanche to Oilers in playoffs 1st round 7-game, Ozolinsh was able to rush to Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
and made his debut for Latvia in elite division, where team Latvia qualified second time since it's independence in 1991. At the tournament he registered 1 goal and 2 assists. He again helped for his nation for Men's World Ice Hockey Championship
2001 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
-Championship:Final standings# # # # # # # # # # # # # # — relegated to Division I for 2002# — relegated to Division I for 2002# - Group A :Group A was played in Grenoble, France between April 16 and April 22, 2001...
, he was able participation because of the Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
loss in Conference quarterfinals. Latvia finished the tournament in 13th place. He played in next year's championship
2002 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2002 Men's Ice Hockey Championships were held between April 26 and May 11, 2002 in Gothenburg, Karlstad and Jönköping, Sweden.It was the 66th annual event, and was run by the International Ice Hockey Federation .- Championship :...
as well and one game during the 2002 Winter Olympics Ice hockey tournament
Ice hockey at the 2002 Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2002 Winter Olympics were held at the E Center in West Valley City and Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah. Both the men's and women's tournaments were won by Canada, defeating the host USA in both games.-Men:...
. In the game verus Slovakia, Ozolinsh registered 4 assists helping Latvia to a 6-6 tie. After a 3 year absence Ozolinsh helped Latvia qualify for the 2006 Winter Olympics Ice hockey tournament
Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics
-Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:Goalkeepers with 40% or more of their team's total minutes.-Awards:Antero Niittymäki was named the most valuable player and received the Directorate Award for best goaltender of the tournament. Directorate Awards also went to Teemu Selänne for best forward, and...
. It was his last international tournament, he announced his international retirement to the media following the conclusion of the Olympics.
| Year | Team | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships The 1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships was the 15th edition of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was held in various communities in Saskatchewan, Canada... |
USSR | World Junior Championship Div. A | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 1992 1992 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships The 1992 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships was the 16th edition of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was held from December 26, 1991 until January 4, 1992. It was held in Füssen and Kaufbeuren, Germany... |
USSR/CIS CIS CIS usually refers to the Commonwealth of Independent States, a modern political entity consisting of eleven former Soviet Union republics.The acronym CIS may also refer to:-Organizations:... 1 |
World Junior Championship Div. A | 7 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| 1998 1998 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships -World Championship Group C :Played March 22-28 in Budapest, Székesfehérvár and Dunaújváros.- Group 1 :- Group 2 :- Final Round 25-28 Place :Hungary was promoted to Group B.- Consolation Round 29-32 Place :... |
Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
World Championship Div. A | ? | 1 | 2 | 3 | ? |
| 2001 2001 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships -Championship:Final standings# # # # # # # # # # # # # # — relegated to Division I for 2002# — relegated to Division I for 2002# - Group A :Group A was played in Grenoble, France between April 16 and April 22, 2001... |
Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
World Championship Div. A | 6 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| 2002 | Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
Olympic Games | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2002 2002 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships The 2002 Men's Ice Hockey Championships were held between April 26 and May 11, 2002 in Gothenburg, Karlstad and Jönköping, Sweden.It was the 66th annual event, and was run by the International Ice Hockey Federation .- Championship :... |
Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
World Championship Div. A | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 12 |
| 2005 | Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
Olympic Qualification | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2006 | Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
Olympic Games | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
1 - During the tournament, USSR broke up and the team was recalled as CIS
CIS
CIS usually refers to the Commonwealth of Independent States, a modern political entity consisting of eleven former Soviet Union republics.The acronym CIS may also refer to:-Organizations:...
national team, but Ozoliņš and Sergei Zholtok
Sergei Zholtok
Sergejs Žoltoks was a Latvian professional ice hockey center who played ten seasons in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators....
were from Latvia, which wasn't member of CIS so other teams protested, but the protest was denied.
External links
- Sandis Ozolins KHL player profile
- Sandis Ozolins Dinamo Riga player profile
- Ozo Golf Club - In English and Latvian