Team Latvia at the 2027 WJC: Roster, Schedule, History & Predictions

Team Latvia enters the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship with structured defense and a passionate system. Up to twelve players are eligible to return from the 2026 squad. The big question is whether the New York Rangers will release fifth-overall pick Alberts Smits.

Team Latvia 2027 World Junior Championship roster schedule and prediction
DetailInformation
TournamentIIHF 2027 World Junior Championship
DatesDec 26, 2026 – Jan 5, 2027
GroupB
VenueRogers Place, Edmonton
Head CoachArtis Abols
Team ManagerTo be Confirmed
Recent Finish7th in 2026 (Quarter-Final)
WJC Gold Titles0
Last UpdateOct 13, 2026

This dedicated Team Latvia 2027 World Junior Championship page covers their schedule, projected roster, lineups, history, key players, strengths, weaknesses, and our expert prediction for the 2027 tournament.

Latvia’s Schedule at the 2027 World Junior Championship

Team Latvia is in Group B and will play all its preliminary round games at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Their group is tough, including Canada, Czechia, Norway, and Switzerland. They will not play on the tournament’s opening day and will face Czechia for their first game on December 27, 2026.

Team Latvia 2027 World Junior Championship schedule with Czechia Canada Norway and Switzerland
DateOpponentTime (MT)Time (ET)Venue
Dec 27, 2026Czechia12:00 PM2:00 PMRogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 28, 2026Canada5:00 PM7:00 PMRogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 30, 2026Norway1:00 PM3:00 PMRogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 31, 2026Switzerland12:00 PM2:00 PMRogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 27, 2026 vs Czechia
Time (MT) 12:00 PM
Time (ET) 2:00 PM
Venue Rogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 28, 2026 vs Canada
Time (MT) 5:00 PM
Time (ET) 7:00 PM
Venue Rogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 30, 2026 vs Norway
Time (MT) 1:00 PM
Time (ET) 3:00 PM
Venue Rogers Place, Edmonton
Dec 31, 2026 vs Switzerland
Time (MT) 12:00 PM
Time (ET) 2:00 PM
Venue Rogers Place, Edmonton

Explore the full 2027 tournament schedule, including match times and fixtures.

Complete Team Latvia Roster for 2027

Latvia has not yet released its official roster. The final selection is expected in early December, after the national team camp. Our projected roster includes 14 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 3 goalies. It is based on 12 eligible players, previous performances, and the U18 team that finished a best-ever fourth in 2026.

Team Latvia 2027 projected roster with 14 forwards 8 defensemen and 3 goaltenders

Forwards

PlayerPosShootsHeightWeightCurrent TeamNHL Rights
Rudolfs BerzkalnsCL6’4″203 lbsMuskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)Edmonton Oilers (2026, R2 #58)
Olivers MurnieksCL6’1″192 lbsBoston College (NCAA)Buffalo Sabres (2026, R4 #124)
Martins KlaucansCL6’0″192 lbsSherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)Undrafted
Karlis FluginsRWR5’11”179 lbsKooKoo U20 (Finland)Undrafted
Roberts NaudinsC/LWL6’7″212 lbsPenticton Vees (WHL)2027 Draft Eligible
Ricards RutkisCR6’1″172 lbsAlberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)Undrafted
Magnuss AvotinsLWL6’2″190 lbsBlackfalds Bulldogs (BCHL)Undrafted
Davids DanilovsRWR6’1″181 lbsWatertown Shamrocks (NAHL)Undrafted
Kristians UtnansLWL6’4″181 lbsKenai River (NAHL)Undrafted
Roberts PolisFL5’10”163 lbsHS Riga (Latvia)Undrafted
Daniels SerkinsC/LWL5’9″172 lbsEHC Basel (Switzerland)Undrafted
Martins BartulisC/WL6’1″174 lbsNew Jersey Jr. Titans (NAHL)Undrafted
Rainers BelovsW/CL6’0″185 lbsAustria U20Undrafted
Ernests KruminsCL6’0″192 lbsTPS U20 (Finland)Undrafted
Rudolfs Berzkalns C
Shoots L
Height 6’4″
Weight 203 lbs
Current Team Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
NHL Rights Edmonton Oilers (2026, R2 #58)
Olivers Murnieks C
Shoots L
Height 6’1″
Weight 192 lbs
Current Team Boston College (NCAA)
NHL Rights Buffalo Sabres (2026, R4 #124)
Martins Klaucans C
Shoots L
Height 6’0″
Weight 192 lbs
Current Team Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Karlis Flugins RW
Shoots R
Height 5’11”
Weight 179 lbs
Current Team KooKoo U20 (Finland)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Roberts Naudins C/LW
Shoots L
Height 6’7″
Weight 212 lbs
Current Team Penticton Vees (WHL)
NHL Rights 2027 Draft Eligible
Ricards Rutkis C
Shoots R
Height 6’1″
Weight 172 lbs
Current Team Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Magnuss Avotins LW
Shoots L
Height 6’2″
Weight 190 lbs
Current Team Blackfalds Bulldogs (BCHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Davids Danilovs RW
Shoots R
Height 6’1″
Weight 181 lbs
Current Team NAHL
NHL Rights Undrafted
Kristians Utnans LW
Shoots L
Height 6’4″
Weight 181 lbs
Current Team Kenai River (NAHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Roberts Polis F
Shoots L
Height 5’10”
Weight 163 lbs
Current Team HS Riga (Latvia)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Daniels Serkins C/LW
Shoots L
Height 5’9″
Weight 172 lbs
Current Team EHC Basel (Switzerland)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Martins Bartulis C/W
Shoots L
Height 6’1″
Weight 174 lbs
Current Team NAHL
NHL Rights Undrafted
Rainers Belovs W/C
Shoots L
Height 6’0″
Weight 185 lbs
Current Team Austria U20
NHL Rights Undrafted
Ernests Krumins C
Shoots L
Height 6’0″
Weight 192 lbs
Current Team TPS U20 (Finland)
NHL Rights Undrafted

Defensemen

PlayerShootsHeightWeightCurrent TeamNHL Rights
Alberts SmitsL6’3″209 lbsNew York Rangers (NHL)NY Rangers (2026, R1 #5)
Krisjanis SartsL6’1″181 lbsBlackfalds Bulldogs (BCHL)Undrafted
Rolands NaglisL6’2″176 lbsSC Bern U21 (Switzerland)Undrafted
Oskars LuksL6’4″198 lbsPrince Albert Raiders (WHL)Undrafted
Edvards LaganovskisL6’2″185 lbsDanbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL)Undrafted
Tomass Erdmanis-HermanisR5’10”134 lbsNAHLUndrafted
Herberts LaugalisL5’9″150 lbsHS Riga (Latvia)Undrafted
Markuss AnsonsR5’9″141 lbsTBDUndrafted
Alberts Smits
Shoots L
Height 6’3″
Weight 209 lbs
Current Team New York Rangers (NHL)
NHL Rights NY Rangers (2026, R1 #5)
Krisjanis Sarts
Shoots L
Height 6’1″
Weight 181 lbs
Current Team Blackfalds Bulldogs (BCHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Rolands Naglis
Shoots L
Height 6’2″
Weight 176 lbs
Current Team SC Bern U21 (Switzerland)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Oskars Luks
Shoots L
Height 6’4″
Weight 198 lbs
Current Team Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Edvards Laganovskis
Shoots L
Height 6’2″
Weight 185 lbs
Current Team Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Tomass Erdmanis-Hermanis
Shoots R
Height 5’10”
Weight 134 lbs
Current Team NAHL
NHL Rights Undrafted
Herberts Laugalis
Shoots L
Height 5’9″
Weight 150 lbs
Current Team HS Riga (Latvia)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Markuss Ansons
Shoots R
Height 5’9″
Weight 141 lbs
Current Team TBD
NHL Rights Undrafted

Goaltenders

PlayerCatchesHeightWeightCurrent TeamNHL Rights
Ivans KufterinsL6’2″168 lbsSioux Falls Stampede (USHL)Undrafted
Patriks PluminsL6’3″187 lbsZemgale (Latvia)Undrafted
Ilja NikitinsL6’0″179 lbsSioux Falls Stampede (USHL)2027 Draft Eligible
Ivans Kufterins
Catches L
Height 6’2″
Weight 168 lbs
Current Team Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Patriks Plumins
Catches L
Height 6’3″
Weight 187 lbs
Current Team Zemgale (Latvia)
NHL Rights Undrafted
Ilja Nikitins
Catches L
Height 6’0″
Weight 179 lbs
Current Team Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
NHL Rights 2027 Draft Eligible

Coaches & Management Staff

RoleName
Head CoachArtis Abols
Assistant CoachTo be confirmed
Team ManagerTo be confirmed

Projected Line Combination

Latvia’s projected forward lines will depend on the final roster and player availability. The coaching staff will aim to balance offense, speed, and defense across the forward lines. The lines below may change once the official roster is announced.

Forward Lines

  • First line: Karlis Flugins (Undrafted, R) – Rudolfs Berzkalns (EDM, L) – Olivers Murnieks (BUF, L)
  • Second line: Magnuss Avotins (Undrafted, L) – Martins Klaucans (Undrafted, L) – Roberts Naudins (2027, L)
  • Third line: Kristians Utnans (Undrafted, L) – Ricards Rutkis (Undrafted, R) – Davids Danilovs (Undrafted, R)
  • Fourth line: Martins Bartulis (Undrafted, L) – Roberts Polis (Undrafted, L) – Rainers Belovs (Undrafted, L) 
  • Extras: Daniels Serkins (Undrafted, L), Ernests Krumins (Undrafted, L)

Defensive Pairing

  • First pair: Alberts Smits (NYR, L) – Oskars Luks (Undrafted, L)
  • Second pair: Krisjanis Sarts (Undrafted, L) – Edvards Laganovskis (Undrafted, L)
  • Third pair: Rolands Naglis (Undrafted, L) – Tomass Erdmanis-Hermanis (Undrafted, R)
  • Extras: Herberts Laugalis (Undrafted, L), Markuss Ansons (Undrafted, R)

Goaltending Depth Chart

  • Starter: Undecided. December camp decides between Ivans Kufterins and Patriks Plumins.
  • Backup: Undecided. The other of Kufterins and Plumins.
  • Third: Ilja Nikitins (2027, L) 

Key Players to Watch

Alberts Smits

Defenseman · New York Rangers

Smits is one of Team Latvia’s best young defensemen. The Rangers picked him fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. If he is released for the World Juniors, he could play a major role on defense and the power play.

Rudolfs Berzkalns

Center · Edmonton Oilers

Berzkalns is 6-foot-4 tall and plays a two-way game, contributing on offense and defense. Edmonton drafted him 58th overall in 2026. He scored 25 points for Muskegon in the USHL and netted an important late goal against Canada at the 2026 World Juniors. Latvia will look to him for scoring and leadership.

Olivers Murnieks

Center · Buffalo Sabres

Murnieks is a two-way center who can help at both ends of the ice. Buffalo drafted him 124th overall in 2026. He played through an injury-hit season with Saint John in the QMJHL, then joined Boston College as a freshman in September. He also recorded four points at the 2026 World Juniors, bringing valuable international experience.

Roberts Naudins

Forward · 2027 Draft Eligible

Naudins is the roster’s most intriguing young player. At 6-foot-7 and 17, he has already played two World Juniors. He moved from Shattuck-St. Mary’s to the Penticton Vees in the WHL, where he scored twice in his first seven games. He is committed to the University of Michigan for 2028-29.

Patriks Plumins

Goaltender · Latvia

Plumins could be an important option in Latvia’s net. The 2008-born goalie started all five games at the 2026 U18 Worlds and posted a 1.62 goals-against average with a .947 save percentage. He has yet to play at the World Juniors, but his form suggests he is ready to challenge Kufterins for the starting role.

Team Latvia Strengths & Weaknesses

Team Latvia 2027 strengths and weaknesses for the World Junior Championship

Strengths

  • Returning  Players:  Twelve players are eligible to return from the 2026 tournament squad with valuable experience.
  • Potential Top Defenseman: If the New York Rangers release Alberts Smits, he could lead Latvia’s defense and play a key power-play role.
  • Talented Centers: Olivers Murnieks and Rudolfs Berzkalns bring skill and experience to the forward group.
  • Strong Goaltending: Patriks Plumins posted a 1.62 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage at the 2026 U18 World Championship.
  • Size and Youth: Roberts Naudins gives Latvia a big forward with World Junior experience and potential ahead of the 2027 NHL Draft.
  • Belief Against Canada: Latvia’s recent close games against Canada could give the team confidence heading into the tournament.

Weaknesses

  • Smits’s Availability: If the Rangers do not release Smits, Latvia could lose one of its most important defensemen.
  • Goaltending Questions: All three goalies from 2026 have aged out. Nobody in the crease has played a World Junior minute as a starter.
  • Young Roster: Several key players are still 17 or 18, so handling the tournament’s pressure could be a challenge.
  • Loss of Experience: Latvia must replace its previous captain and other experienced players, including Bruno Osmanis and Kristers Ansons.
  • Limited Tournament Success: Latvia has never won a World Junior medal and never reached a semifinal.
  • Tough Schedule: Games against Canada, Norway, and Switzerland will test Latvia during the group stage.

Latvia at Previous World Juniors (History)

Latvia has never won a medal or reached the semifinals in WJC history. The nation’s best record is three seventh-place finishes. After Russia’s exclusion, Latvia has played in every top-division edition since 2022. The 2027 edition is its sixth straight appearance.

YearFinishHost
20267th (Quarterfinal loss to Sweden, 6-3)Minneapolis & St. Paul, USA
20257th (Quarterfinal loss to Sweden, 3-2)Ottawa, Canada
20248th (Quarterfinal loss to USA, 7-2)Gothenburg, Sweden
20239th (Won relegation series vs Austria)Halifax & Moncton, Canada
20227th (August edition)Edmonton, Canada
2021No tournament (Division I-A cancelled, COVID-19)–
20202nd in Division I-A, not promotedMinsk, Belarus
2026
Finish 7th (Quarterfinal loss to Sweden, 6-3)
Host Minneapolis & St. Paul, USA
2025
Finish 7th (Quarterfinal loss to Sweden, 3-2)
Host Ottawa, Canada
2024
Finish 8th (Quarterfinal loss to USA, 7-2)
Host Gothenburg, Sweden
2023
Finish 9th (Won relegation series vs Austria)
Host Halifax & Moncton, Canada
2022
Finish 7th (August edition)
Host Edmonton, Canada
2021
Finish No tournament (Division I-A cancelled, COVID-19)
Host –
2020
Finish 2nd in Division I-A, not promoted
Host Minsk, Belarus

Prediction about the Latvia Team in the 2027 edition

Latvia’s tournament position depends entirely on the Rangers’ decision. If they release Smits, then Latvia has its real power-play weapon back. We predict Latvia falls to Norway and Switzerland, and finishes fifth in Group B. That means the relegation series and a fight to stay up. If the Rangers release Smits, fourth place and a quarterfinal spot come back into play.

Conclusion

Team Latvia enters the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship with a young team and several promising players. Twelve players are eligible to return from the 2026 roster. Alberts Smits, Rudolfs Berzkalns, and Olivers Murnieks could play important roles if they are available.

 If the team performs well against its group opponents, it could compete for a place in the quarterfinals. The official roster arrives in December.

Explore more: All 10 Teams | Team USA | Team Finland | Tickets Guide | How to Watch Guide | Team Germany | Team Sweden | Team Slovakia

Frequently Asked Questions

Latvia will play its first game against Czechia on December 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM MT.

They will play their preliminary-round games at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.

Artis Abols is Latvia’s head coach for the 2027 edition.

No, Latvia has never won a medal in WJC history.

Uncertain. Smits made the New York Rangers’ opening-night NHL roster in September 2026. If the Rangers keep him, Latvia loses its best player and the top of this projected roster changes. This page will be updated when his status is clear.