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Sandis Ozoliņš

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Sandis Ozoliņš
Born (1972-08-03) August 3, 1972 (age 52)
Sigulda, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
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,
 CIS and
 Latvia
NHL draft 30th overall, 1991
San Jose Sharks
Playing career 1990–present

Sandis Ozoliņš ([Сандис Озолиньш, Sandis Ozolinsh] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help); Template:Pron-en; born August 3, 1972) is a Latvian ice hockey player and captain for Dinamo Riga of the Kontinental Hockey League. During his career in North America (in the NHL), Ozoliņš was a seven-time NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup champion, Norris Trophy finalist, the all-time leader for goals, assists, points and games played by a Latvian in the NHL, holds several Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks franchise records and was the highest paid sportsman in Latvian history, after NBA basketball player Andris Biedriņš succeeded him.

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 has skated for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and New York Rangers. He is often considered a prototype "offensive defenseman," in that he becomes 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 already started playing for the Kansas City Blades, a minor league team in the International Hockey League where together with Latvian teammate Arturs Irbe won a Turner Cup in 1992.

San Jose Sharks

Ozoliņš joined the Sharks in 1992–93, scoring 23 points in 37 games his rookie season, which majority he missed recovering from knee injury suffered in game vs. Philadelphia, December 30, 1992. After recovering from injury, Sandis ended 1993–94 season with an 81-game, 64-point sophomore effort - 3rd best in team and 1st by goals in league's defenseman list. 64 points in this season would be the second-highest of his career. In this season Ozolinsh helped team to advance in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history as well as in the next shortened lockout season, in both years losing in Conference Semi-finals.

Colorado Avalanche

At the start of the 1995-96 campaign, San Jose traded him for Nordiques/Avalanche forward Owen Nolan. In 66 games during his first season, Sandis scored 50 total points, with more than a half on the power play. The Avs went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1995–96 NHL season, in playoffs he was a leader defenseman and 9th total by points with 19. The following season Avs with Ozolinsh won a Presidents' Trophy. After losing to Detroit Red Wings in 1997 playoffs conference finals, Ozolinsh finished third in votes for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's outstanding defenceman. In this regular season he scored a career high 68 points, including 13 goals and 29 assists in man advantage, making him 2nd place in league's defenseman scoring leaders after Brian Leetch. The following three seasons with the Avalanche weren't as successful, but he continued to play well, only dipping below .70 points per game in 1999–00 NHL season, including a first time in his career hat trick in December 6, 1999 against Vancouver Canucks[1]. This was his final year in Denver, which seemed already clear to be his last season with Avalanche after Ray Bourque made a statement that his final NHL season would be with Avalanche. Ozolinsh made $4 million that season 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 goaltender Arturs Irbe. The close friends played together in Latvia and in San Jose, shared an agent and together fund a youth hockey organization that buys equipment for kids in their home land. Later on July, after expiration of his Avalanche deal, Sandis 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.[3].Ozolinsh didn't help Hurricanes to advance in the playoffs, however, individually he still performed as an offensive defenseman, including a hat trick, second in his NHL career, and an assist in March 4, 2001 against Chicago Blackhawks[4]. Ozolinsh 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. Ozolinsh wore #44, because #8 was already acquired by Peter Worrell. Sandis scored an impressive 10 goals and 19 assists in 37 games of the remaining season but team didn't advance to the playoffs. He spent more than a next half season before he was traded again.

Anaheim Mighty Ducks

During 2002-03 mid-season, the Panthers sent him to Anaheim Mighty Ducks for Matt Cullen, Pavel Trnka and a draft pick. Ozolinsh got back his original #8. In a 2003 NHL All-Star weekend - few days after a trade, Ozolinsh skipped the NHL All-Star skills competition(which was contested in Florida) when he would have had to have worn 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.[5] Upon his arrival with the Ducks, Ozolinsh played a key role helping the club reach the post season and their first Stanley Cup Final. Despite reaching their first Cup final, Ozolinsh and the Ducks were defeated in a hard-fought seven game series to the Devils. In 2003-04, the Ducks struggled and failed in their attempt in returning to the post season. Along with the Ducks struggles, Ozolinsh battled injuries and was limited to a mere 36 games[6].

New York Rangers

following a lockout year in 2004-05, after playing 17 games for Mighty Ducks and participation in 2006 Winter Olympics, Ozolinsh was dealt to the New York Rangers at the 2006 NHL trading deadline for a third-round draft pick (which the Rangers had obtained earlier in a trade with the San Jose Sharks) in March 9, 2006 trade deadline. Ozolinsh wore a #24. With 14 points in 19 games in the remaining 2005-06 season Ozolinsh helped his team to advance in 2006 Playoffs, where Rangers didn't qualify since 1997. In the next season in 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 he was put on the injured reserve list due to a serious knee problem.

Return to Sharks

His entry into the league's substance abuse program and a drunk driving arrest looked to be the end of the road for him, however, rehab and intensive individual training, including a triathlon discipline practice[7] Ozolinsh went in a camp on tryout to his NHL debut team Sharks. After playing 2 games for Worcester Sharks, scoring an assist and being cleared to play by doctors within the league's substance abuse program, he signed a one-year contract 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[8]. In 2007–08 NHL season with Sharks he scored 3 goals and 13 assists in 39 games, 13 of his 16 points have been recorded at HP Pavilion.

Recent years

After season with Sharks Sandis had a contract offer from Los Angeles Kings for a one-year deal worth $0.8 million, but he declined it[9] and went hiatus from hockey for a year. In July 13, 2009, unexpectedly Sandis signed a one-year deal with KHL home country team Dinamo Riga in which he started his senior career in 1990. Sandis 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, Ozoliņš was selected to play on the starting roster for the Jaromír Jágr team in the KHL All-Star game, also he was selected to play in KHL All-Star skills competition[10], but, due to micro-injury, played only the first period and withdrew from skills competition. In May 18, 2010, Ozolinsh extended his contract with Dinamo for another year. In 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.[11]

Personal life

Sandis was married with secondary school schoolmate Sandra Ozolina for more than 15 years, when in May, 2010 Ozolinsh submitted an application for divorce.[12] He has two sons - Roberts(born in 1994) and Christopher(born in 1996). Ozolinsh now is dating with Latvian TV ex-diva Anna Lieckalnina[13]. During the off-season Sandis 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.[14]

Awards

NHL

team

individual

KHL
Other

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 season goals by an Avalanche defenseman - 72
  4. Most all-time season points by an Avalanche defenseman - 253
  5. Most single playoff assists by an Avalanche defenseman (1995–96) - 14
  6. Most single playoff points by an Avalanche defenseman (1996–97) - 19 (shared with Rob Blake)
  7. Most all-time playoff goals by an Avalanche defenseman - 18
  8. Most all-time playoff assists by an Avalanche defenseman - 49
  9. Most all-time playoff points by an Avalanche defenseman - 67

San Jose Sharks records

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

Transactions

  • 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.
  • Monday, July 24, 2000 - Signed a five-year contract with Carolina Hurricanes worth more than $25 million
  • 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 another year.

Career statistics

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1990–91 Dinamo Riga USSR 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 4 0 3 3 8  —  —  —  —  —
2010–11 Dinamo Riga KHL 15 2 13 17 24 4 - - - -
NHL totals 875 167 397 564 638 137 23 67 90 131
KHL totals 43 5 20 25 109 4 0 3 3 8

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 break up 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 2001 due to injuries and the NHL playoffs schedule. In 2001, Ozolinsh made his debut for Latvia at the 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.[15]

Sandis Ozoliņš
Medal record
Representing Commonwealth of Independent States Commonwealth of Independent States
World Junior Championship
Gold medal – first place 1992 Germany Ice hockey
Representing Soviet Union Soviet Union
World Junior Championship
Silver medal – second place 1991 Canada Ice hockey
   
Year Team League 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
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. ^ http://www.canoe.ca/HockeyCarolinaArchive/jul24_hur.html
  3. ^ http://www.canoe.ca/HockeyCarolinaArchive/jul24_hur.html
  4. ^ http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458544&season=20002001&view=log
  5. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/allstar/2003-02-02-reunions_x.htm
  6. ^ http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11247
  7. ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3132455
  8. ^ http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458544&view=notes
  9. ^ http://sportacentrs.com/hokejs/nhl/24092008-ozolins_atteicies_no_kings_piedavajuma?page=3
  10. ^ http://www.khl.ru/news/2010/1/15/25805.html
  11. ^ http://www.khl.ru/news/2010/10/1/28374.html
  12. ^ http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/news/sandis-ozolins-iesniedzis-skirsanas-pieteikumu&news_id=21993
  13. ^ http://www.mango.lv/zinas/slavenibas/sportisti/ozolins-vairs-neslepj-milu-ar-lieckalninu.m?id=32211151
  14. ^ http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/news/sandis-ozolins---popularakais-latvijas-sportists-internetbalsojuma&news_id=14114
  15. ^ http://www.delfi.lv/archive/article.php?id=13690513
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Preceded by Dinamo Riga captain
2009–present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by Most popular sportsman in Latvia
2009 		Succeeded by
Incumbent

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