Sandis Ozoliņš

Sandis Ozoliņš
Born	August 3, 1972 (1972-08-03) (age 39) Sigulda, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
KHL team Former teams	Dinamo Riga New York Rangers Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Florida Panthers Carolina Hurricanes Colorado Avalanche San Jose Sharks
National team	Soviet Union  Unified Team &  Latvia
NHL Draft	30th overall, 1991 San Jose Sharks
Playing career	1990–present

Sandis Ozoliņš (born August 3, 1972), commonly known as Sandis Ozolinsh ( /ˈsɑːndɨs ˈoʊzoʊlɪntʃ/) in North America, is a Latvian 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.

Playing career

Early playing career

Ozoliņš was drafted 30th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft 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.

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 Nordiques/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.^[1] 1999 was his final year in Denver, in which Ozolinsh made $4 million as Colorado's third-highest paid player.^[2]

Carolina Hurricanes

During the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, 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.^[2] 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 Ritchie 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.

Anaheim Mighty Ducks

In midseason 2002–03, the Panthers sent Ozoliņš to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for Matt Cullen, 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.^[3] 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.^[4]

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 Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), but a short while later was put on the injured reserve 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 Sharks 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.^[5] 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 Kings for a one-year deal worth $0.8 million, but he declined it^[6] 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,^[7] 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.^[8] On November 28 he suffered injury in the game against HC Sibir and missed all of the December due to broken ribs.^[9] In January 2011, Ozolinsh was again selected to play on the starting roster in the KHL All-Star game.^[10] 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".^[11][12]

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.^[13] He has two sons - Roberts(born in 1994) and Christopher(born in 1996). Ozolinsh now is dating Latvian TV ex-diva Anna Lieckalnina.^[14] During the off-season Ozoliņš resides in Denver, Colorado 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.^[15]

Awards

NHL

team

• Stanley Cup – 1996
• President's Trophy – 1997
• Clarence S. Campbell Bowl – 1996, 2003

individual

• Norris Trophy – Finalist: 1997
• NHL First Team All-Star – 1997
• NHL All-Star Game appearances – 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (7 total)

KHL

• KHL All-Star Game appearances – 2010, 2011, 2012 (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 States (CIS).
• In 1992 Ozolinsh won IHL Turner Cup with Kansas City Blades together with fellow Latvian Arturs Irbe.

Records

Colorado Avalanche records

1. Most single regular season goals by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 23
2. Most single regular season points by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 68
3. Most all-time regular season goals by an Avalanche defenseman - 72
4. Most single playoff assists by an Avalanche defenseman (1995–96) - 14
5. Most single playoff points by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 19 (shared with Rob Blake)
6. Most all-time playoff goals by an Avalanche defenseman - 18
7. Most all-time playoff assists by an Avalanche defenseman - 49
8. Most all-time playoff points by an Avalanche defenseman - 67

San Jose Sharks records

1. Most all-time regular season goals by a Sharks defenseman - 46
2. Most single regular season goals by a Sharks defenseman (1993–94) - 26
3. Most single regular season points by a Sharks defenseman (1993–94) - 64

Transactions

• October 26, 1995 - Traded by the San Jose Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Owen Nolan.

• June 24, 2000 - Traded by the Colorado Avalanche, along with Columbus' 2000 2nd round draft choice, to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Nolan Pratt, 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 Ritchie, to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Bret Hedican, Kevyn Adams and Tomáš Malec.

• 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 Ward to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in exchange for Pavel Trnka, Matt Cullen 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 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	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		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	IHL		34	6	9	15	20		15	2	5	7	22
1992–93	San Jose Sharks	NHL		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	IHL		2	1	0	1	0		—	—	—	—	—
1995–96	San Jose Sharks	NHL		7	1	3	4	4		—	—	—	—	—
1995–96	Colorado Avalanche	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	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	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	NHL		14	2	10	12	12		3	0	0	0	6
2006–07	New York Rangers	NHL		21	0	3	3	8		—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	Worcester Sharks	AHL		2	0	1	1	0		—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	San Jose Sharks	NHL		39	3	13	16	24		—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Dinamo Riga	KHL		43	5	20	25	109		6	0	3	3	24
2010–11	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 Championships, 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.^[16]

Medal record
Competitor for Commonwealth of Independent States
World Junior Championship
Gold	1992 Germany	Ice hockey
Competitor for Soviet Union
World Junior Championship
Silver	1991 Canada	Ice hockey

Year	Team	Tournament		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1991	USSR	World Junior Championship Div. A		7	1	2	3	6
1992	USSR/CIS1	World Junior Championship Div. A		7	1	5	6	4
1998	Latvia	World Championship Div. A		?	1	2	3	?
2001	Latvia	World Championship Div. A		6	0	5	5	2
2002	Latvia	Olympic Games		1	0	4	4	0
2002	Latvia	World Championship Div. A		6	2	1	3	12
2005	Latvia	Olympic Qualification		3	0	1	1	4
2006	Latvia	Olympic Games		5	1	3	4	2

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.

References

1. ^ http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458544&season=19992000&view=log
2. ^ ^{a b} http://www.canoe.ca/HockeyCarolinaArchive/jul24_hur.html
3. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/allstar/2003-02-02-reunions_x.htm
4. ^ http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11247
5. ^ http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458544&view=notes
6. ^ http://sportacentrs.com/hokejs/nhl/24092008-ozolins_atteicies_no_kings_piedavajuma?page=3
7. ^ http://www.khl.ru/news/2010/1/15/25805.html
8. ^ http://www.khl.ru/news/2010/10/1/28374.html
9. ^ http://www.dinamoriga.eu/lv/news/view/sandim-ozolinam-nopietns-savainojums
10. ^ http://www.khl.ru/news/2011/1/14/30877.html
11. ^ http://en.khl.ru/news/2011/10/21/24225.html
12. ^ http://www.khlallstar.com/en/information.html
13. ^ http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/news/sandis-ozolins-iesniedzis-skirsanas-pieteikumu&news_id=21993
14. ^ http://www.mango.lv/zinas/slavenibas/sportisti/ozolins-vairs-neslepj-milu-ar-lieckalninu.m?id=32211151
15. ^ http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/news/sandis-ozolins---popularakais-latvijas-sportists-internetbalsojuma&news_id=14114
16. ^ http://www.delfi.lv/archive/article.php?id=13690513

External links

• Sandis Ozolinsh's NHL player profile
• Sandis Ozolins KHL player profile
• Sandis Ozolins Dinamo Riga player profile
• Sandis Ozolinsh's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
• Sandis Ozolinsh at TSN.ca
• Ozo Golf Club - In English and Latvian

Preceded by Rodrigo Lavins

Dinamo Riga captain 2009–present

Succeeded by Incumbent

Preceded by Maris Strombergs

Most popular sportsman in Latvia 2009

Succeeded by Martins Dukurs

Persondata
Name	Ozolins, Sandis
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	August 3, 1972
Place of birth	Sigulda, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union
Date of death
Place of death