Latvia has announced its final roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship (WJC), set to take place in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026. The team is aiming to build on their recent performances, including an upset win over Canada in the 2025 tournament and a quarterfinal appearance.
Roster Composition
The final roster consists of 3 goaltenders, 8 defensemen, and 14 forwards, with a significant portion of the team playing in North American junior leagues.
Goaltenders
Latvia's goaltending trio includes Nils Roberts Maurins (Omaha Lancers, USHL), Mikus Vecvanags (Newfoundland Regiment, QMJHL), and Ivans Kufterins (Kamloops Blazers, WHL). While Mikus Vecvanags is a Montreal Canadiens draft pick, Nils Roberts Maurins may have an advantage, while Ivans Kufterins has been platooning in the WHL.
Defensemen
The defensive unit features Alberts Smits (Jukurit, Finland), Mārtiņš Vītols ("Zemgale"/LBTU), Oskars Nils Briedis ("Luleå", Sweden), Rolands Naglis (Bern, Switzerland), Darels Uļjanskis (Flint Firebirds, OHL), Krišjānis Sarts (Blackfield Bulldogs, BCHL), Krists Retenais (Brooks Bandits, BCHL), and Haris Cjunskis (Brooks Bandits, BCHL). Alberts Smits is considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NHL draft and is a key player on the team. Darels Uljanskis, an Anaheim Ducks prospect, also brings valuable experience to the blue line.
Forwards
The forward group includes Oliver Murnieks (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL), Kārlis Fluģins (KooKoo, Finland), Kristers Ansons (Mogo/RSU), Dmitrijs Dilevka (Brooks Bandits, BCHL), Bruno Osmaņis (Björklöven, Sweden), Markus Sieradzki (Plzeň, Czech Republic), Maksims Pumpiņš (Poruba, Czech Republic), Roberts Polis (Riga Hockey School), Rūdolfs Bērzkalns (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL), Kristians Utnans (Kenai Brown Bears, NAHL), Antons Matievskis (Watertown Shamrocks, NAHL), Roberts Naudiņš (Shattuck St. Mary's, USHS), Daniel Serkin (Bern, Switzerland), and Mārtiņš Klaučāns (Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL). Bruno Osmanis and Olivers Murnieks are expected to lead the offense, while Rudolfs Berzkalns, Karlis Flugins and Martins Klaucans are among the 2026 draft-eligible players to watch.
Key Players and Expectations
With the loss of leading scorer Eriks Mateiko, the team will rely on returning players like Bruno Osmanis and Olivers Murnieks to drive the offense. Draft-eligible defenseman Alberts Smits is also expected to play a crucial role.
Latvia faces a challenging path in the tournament, drawn into Group B alongside Canada, Finland, Czech Republic, and Denmark. While avoiding relegation is a primary goal, the team hopes to replicate past upsets and potentially reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Tournament Outlook
Latvia's first game is on December 27th against Canada. The team will need strong performances from its key players and solid goaltending to compete against the top teams in their group. The experienced defensive core, led by Smits and Uljanskis, will be crucial in shutting down opposing offenses.
