Latvian hockey coach Aleksandrs Cicurskis received the Johan Bollue Award during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland. The award is presented by the International Ice Hockey Federation in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of youth hockey. Meanwhile, on behalf of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation, Māris Martinsons, President of Mogo/RSU and a member of the LHF Board, presented Aleksandrs Cicurskis with a TISSOT watch.
“IIHF has paid a great tribute to Latvian hockey by awarding a lifetime achievement honor to one of the most distinguished coaches in the history of Latvian ice hockey. He is a true hockey legend who has nurtured countless talents and helped bring Latvia’s name to the global hockey stage. With an exceptional sense of humor, tireless work ethic, and remarkable energy, he has always been a demanding, straightforward, and fair coach under whose guidance several generations of players have developed. Today, he is 80 years old, yet his passion for life and love for hockey remain as strong as ever. His contribution to Latvian hockey is immeasurable, and his work will continue to inspire both players and coaches for many years to come,” said Martinsons.
The Johan Bollue Award is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development of youth hockey. The award recognizes coaches, mentors, and organizers who demonstrate dedication, passion, and long-term commitment to building the sport from the grassroots level.
For more than four decades, Aleksandrs Cicurskis has been one of the key pillars of regional hockey development in Latvia. He established and developed the youth hockey system in Liepāja, creating an environment where young players could grow both as athletes and as individuals.
Among his former players are several members of the Latvian national team, as well as athletes who have reached Europe’s top leagues and even the NHL, including Sandis Ozoliņš, Sergejs Žoltoks, Viktors Ignatjevs, Grigorijs Panteļejevs, Raitis Ivanāns, Rūdolfs Balcers, Ronalds Ķēniņš, and Miks Indrašis.
Source: lhf.lv
