By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter @BlackAndGold277
Boston Bruins prospect and University of Massachusetts forward Dans Locmelis, along with his native Latvian hockey club, beat France 5-2 today to secure a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics. There was a four-team qualification tournament, with the winners getting an opportunity to represent their countries in this event, which will be held in Milan, Italy. This is the second consecutive time that team Latvia secured an appearance in this best-on-best Olympic event.
In three games played in this qualifying tournament, Locmelis posted 1-1-0 numbers, helping his native club beat Slovenia 4-2, Ukraine 5-1, and, as previously mentioned, France 5-2. Old friend and former Providence Bruins forward Eduards Tralmaks had a goal in today’s victory over France.
Locmelis will now head back to the United States to prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 NCAA hockey season, which kicks off in early October. Dans is entering his sophomore season at UMass and posted 7-7-14 numbers in 30 games in his first experience playing a full season here in North America. This upcoming year is important for Locmelis, as I believe he could double his point production offensively. He could also go into the 24/25 campaign with a boost of confidence after one year away from home.
Dans is a left-shooting center that comes in at 6’1″ and weighs 180 pounds and was selected by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round of the 2022 National Hockey League Entry Draft held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Locmelis Dobber Prospects describes him as a good two-way center with good hands and playing ability. According to EliteProspects, he uses crossovers on the rush to keep his approach deceptive. Locmelis uses the width of the ice, scans for teammates, and passes to them early in transition sequences. He protects pucks in the offensive zone, attacks gaps in coverage, and reloads above the puck when his team loses it. He also keeps his stick in passing lanes to intercept opposing passes.
Leave a Reply