Picture credit score: Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF
A change of surroundings was what Karlis Flugins wanted.
The Latvian native put his identify ahead for the 2024 CHL Import Draft and as soon as chosen by the OHL’s Flint Firebirds 78th general, he didn’t waste any time heading to the Automobile Metropolis.
“I used to be enjoying in Sweden earlier than however I needed to change one thing [to help my career],” Flugins stated. “It was essential for me to come back right here and get drafted.”
His first OHL marketing campaign noticed him play 52 video games the place he recorded 14 factors (5 targets) and a +2 score. He scored his first OHL purpose on Oct. 26 in opposition to Owen Sound.
“It was nice,” Flugins stated of his 12 months in Flint. “Everybody was so welcoming. The ability is nice, and the staff was nice too.”
After the Firebirds fell in 5 video games to Kitchener within the first spherical of the OHL Playoffs, the 17-year-old shortly pivoted to the U18 World Championships.
With loads of NHL scouts in attendance, it was an excellent alternative for the Riga native to get a jumpstart on his 2026 NHL Draft season.
“It’s actually essential,” Flugins stated of enjoying within the event. “I’m completely satisfied to be right here, wish to play right here. We misplaced in Flint however I used to be actually completely satisfied to come back play right here.”
It’s the second time Flugins has performed on the occasion and is one he stated he circles on his calendar every year.
“I like to play right here,” he stated.
In each appearances he’s made, Flugins has helped Latvia to the quarterfinals.
Latvia began the event on a high-note with a 2-1 shootout victory in opposition to Norway however ended the round-robin with consecutive losses to Canada, Finland and Slovakia. However regardless of the defeat to the hosts final evening, Flugins was glad with the staff’s efficiency, a recreation during which he scored his first purpose of the event late within the third interval as he tipped in a degree shot.
“It was fairly particular,” he stated of scoring his first purpose on the event. “We acquired our group collectively and talked earlier than the USA recreation and I believed we performed fairly good [despite the result].”
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