Forward Rudolf Balcer’s season in the National Hockey League (NHL) will end on Wednesday, May 12, but it is not yet certain that he will play in the World Cup in Riga. The situation could be determined by the possibility for Balcer to conclude a new contract with Sharks in San Jose in time.
Balcers was one of the most important players in the national team in the previous two world championships, and he also earned recognition for the San Jose Sharks season, where the striker moved on January 12 after he was resigned by the Ottawa Senators.
Balcers confirmed his desire to play in the World Championship to the General Secretary of the Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF) Viesturs Koziols, however, the fact that the contract with “Sharks” expires at the end of the season is important. If a new agreement is not made in time, Rudolf may not participate in the World Cup. Balcers has proven himself well at the San Jose club, but he is not the first violin on the team to dictate the rules. Rudolf’s chances of speeding up the situation with a new contract could be very limited.
LHF President Aigars Kalvītis told Latvian Television’s “Sports Studio” on Monday that defenders Jānis Jaks and Kristiāns Rubīns, who played in NHL farm clubs in North America, will join the national team in the next few days, while on the evening of May 16 Championship, should come Balcer and goalkeeper Matiss Kivleniek.
Kalvītis did not hesitate to say that Balcers and Kivlenieks will definitely come to the national team, although the talks with both hockey players are positive. Elvis Merzlikkin, meanwhile, will remain in North America due to the expected growth of the family, and the LHF respects the decision of the Columbia Blue Jackets goalkeeper.
CONTEXT:
The World Hockey Championship in Riga will take place from May 21 to June 6, with the participation of 16 national teams.
Latvia acquired the right to host the World Championship in February 2021, following the decision of the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) to deprive Belarus of the right to co-host.
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