Latvia Snaps Olympic Drought, Upsets Germany Behind Bruins Prospects
Latvia hadn’t won an Olympic hockey game in over a decade. That streak ended Saturday morning in a 4-3 upset over Germany - and it was a pair of Boston Bruins prospects, past and present, who led the charge.
Dans Locmelis and Eduards Tralmaks stepped up when it mattered most, delivering clutch performances to lift Latvia to its first Olympic win since 2014. Facing a German squad featuring NHL talent, Latvia never backed down - and their resilience paid off.
Locmelis Lights the Lamp - Twice
Germany jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first period, but Locmelis answered on the power play to even things up. After Germany regained the lead just two minutes later, Locmelis struck again in the second period to tie the game at 2-2. It was a statement performance from the 2022 fourth-round pick, who’s been developing steadily in the Bruins system.
Locmelis is quietly putting together a solid season with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, tallying 15 goals and 28 points through 43 games. The Olympics offer a different kind of pressure, but the 19-year-old didn’t flinch. His ability to finish in key moments shows a maturity beyond his years - and it’s the kind of performance that gets noticed, both internationally and back home in the organization.
Tralmaks Delivers the Game-Winner
With the game tied midway through the third, Latvia needed someone to break through. That’s when Eduards Tralmaks, a former Bruins prospect now in the Red Wings system, stepped up.
The 6-foot-3 winger buried the go-ahead goal, giving Latvia a 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Latvia added one more before Germany scored late to make it 4-3, but the damage was done.
Tralmaks, who signed with Boston in 2021 after a standout college career at the University of Maine, had his best season in the Bruins organization in 2021-22, posting 14 goals and 13 assists with Providence. He’s currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL, and while his NHL future remains uncertain, his performance on the Olympic stage is a reminder of the skill and physicality he brings to the ice.
A Big Win for Latvian Hockey
This win wasn’t just a morale boost - it was a statement. Latvia took down a more experienced German team and did it with contributions from young, developing talent. For a program looking to build momentum, this kind of victory matters.
Latvia wraps up group play against Denmark on Sunday. With the next round looming, confidence is building - and with players like Locmelis and Tralmaks stepping up, Latvia might just have more surprises in store.