On a record-breaking night for Elviss Želubovskis, Mogo/RSU defeated Liepāja 4–2 on Wednesday at their home rink, Mogo Hall, to secure first place in the Optibet Hockey League (OHL) regular season.
Goals for Mogo/RSU were scored by Kristers Ansons, Ernests Krūms, Gints Meija and Elviss Želubovskis. For Želubovskis, it marked his 595th career point in the Latvian championships, making him the all-time leading scorer in the competition.
In this decisive regular season game, Kārlis Mežsargs returned to the Mogo/RSU net, while Mihaels Valents guarded the goal for Liepāja. The first dangerous chance came from Ernests Krūms, who found Kristers Ansons in space, but his shot was stopped by Valents. Shortly after, the visiting goalkeeper also denied a powerful attempt by Jānis Zemītis. Kaspars Ziemiņš received the first penalty of the game, though Liepāja failed to create serious chances on the power play.
Mogo/RSU took the lead during a power play following a penalty to Rinalds Vutkevičs. From the corner, Krūms sent the puck in front of the net, Ziemiņš redirected it, and Ansons finished into an open corner. Late in the period, Gatis Sprukts produced a skillful individual effort but was unable to beat Valents.
The second period began with another attempt by Zemītis from a sharp angle, comfortably handled by the Liepāja goalkeeper. Mogo/RSU extended their lead after an impressive solo effort by Krūms, who beat several defenders, outplayed Valents and scored. Soon after, Renarts Bērziņš was penalized for holding, but Mogo/RSU goalkeeper Mežsargs made a key save on Valters Niedrājs’ shot.
Midway through the period, Timur Solostei and Niks Zīle received offsetting penalties, while Elviss Želubovskis was additionally handed a 2+10-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite being shorthanded, Mogo/RSU threatened through Niks Feņenko, while Mežsargs denied a strong shot from Pauls Svars. Toward the end of the period, the referees called two penalties against the home team. During a power play, Endijs Butāns capitalized on a pass from Kevins Strādnieks to score for Liepāja. Shortly after, Kārlis Ozoliņš drew another penalty, sending Sprukts to the box for tripping.
Early in the third period, Liepāja converted again, as Dominiks Sadausks found Ozoliņš at the far post for an easy finish. Controversy followed during a penalty against Liepāja’s Kristers Kuzņecovs, when Ozoliņš struck Sprukts on the hands, but no penalty was initially called. After a stoppage and referee discussion, Ozoliņš was briefly sent to the penalty box before the decision was overturned and he returned to the ice.
A historic moment came in the 50th minute. Following a shot by Niks Feņenko, Želubovskis was first to the rebound and scored his 595th point in the Latvian championship, becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer. The game was paused as he was congratulated on the achievement.
In the final minutes, Liepāja pulled their goalkeeper for an extra skater, but Mogo/RSU held on to secure a 4–2 victory and claim first place in the regular season standings.
Želubovskis was named the best player for Mogo/RSU, while Roberts Freidenfelds earned the honor for Liepāja.
Mogo/RSU finished the regular season with 64 points to take first place, level with Zemgale/LBTU in second. Liepāja followed with 63 points, and Kyiv Capitals were fourth with 61. Mogo/RSU and Zemgale/LBTU advance directly to the semifinals, while in the quarterfinals Liepāja will face Tallinn Panter and Capitals will meet Prizma.
Source: mogohalle.lv
(Translated using artificial intellect tool)
About Mogo/RSU
Founded in 2014, Mogo/RSU has become one of the strongest and most decorated hockey clubs in Latvia. The team won the Latvian championship in its very first season and repeated the achievement in 2019, 2024, and 2025. From 2016 to 2017, Mogo/LSPA claimed the Latvian Cup three years in a row, defeating HK Kurbads in each final. The founder and president of Mogo/RSU is Māris Martinsons, who is also a board member of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation. The team’s head coach is former Latvian national team player Ģirts Ankipāns. Mogo/RSU’s general manager since the club’s first day is Elviss Želubovskis, who continues to represent the team on the ice as well.
