First article! First Name: Kaspars Last Name: Bērziņš Position: RW/LW Born: January 15 Shoots: Right Jersey Number: 98 Height (ft.): 6'4 Weight (lbs.): 201
Bio:
Kaspars Bērziņš has emerged as one of the only prospects entering the draft coming from Latvia. Born in Umurga, he grew up helping his parents on the farms and working in the town hall. He is the son of former Latvian basketball sensation Zemgus Bērziņš, and it is clear that Kaspars got some of his athletic genes from his father.
Bērziņš started playing at a very young age and as most hockey players did, shooting pucks against the garage door as target practice. Even as a young man, Bērziņš was one of the biggest amongst his age group and stood out as one of the most skilled in his town. Joining the local community team in Umurga, Bērziņš quickly had an impact. He became the Latvian league’s leading scorer as a 17 year old and has been key to his team’s success. Not only did Bērziņš shine on the ice, but in his second season he became the assistant captain of his team and was awarded the Sandis Ozolins award for sportsmanship. Bērziņš has also represented his country on the world stage for Latvia in the U-18 tournament, logging 15 goals and 8 assists in 14 games in addition to being the captain.
Bērziņš is looking to translate his talents to the SMJHL this upcoming season and his home country will be cheering him on.
Player Analysis:
One thing that comes to mind when you think of Bērziņš is size at a 6’4 frame and 201 lbs. Bērziņš uses his long reach to keep the puck away from defenders and creating space for his teammates. In addition to his long reach, he likes to use his body to shield himself from defenders. Not only does his size help him on offense, but defensively as well he is able to get his stick into the passing lanes to prevent scoring chances. Although he does possess a giant frame, Bērziņš does have his inconsistencies for laying the body. He has been known for not finishing his checks and leaving the forechecking to his teammates in order to get open for a scoring chance.
The most impressive aspect that Bērziņš offers is his skill of finding the back of the net. Bērziņš uses his long and big frame to add power and accuracy to his shot. He has been known to be able to score from any angle and has provided some highlight real goals on Youtube. Bērziņš is known for his 1 timer from the left circle similar to that of Alex Ovechkin and leaves goalies in fear. Not only does his shot create problems for the opposition, but it opens up chances for his teammates as the defenders focus their attention on blocking Bērziņš, leaving room for others to get open.
Bērziņš’ game is projected to translate well to the North American style of play. His big frame is something that can’t be taught and therefore with some more training and teaching, he will be able to build some muscle and use his frame in the smaller American rinks. Bērziņš has the potential to have a serious impact on any team in the SMJHL and his shot is what separates him from the rest of the pack. Bērziņš may slide in the draft as he is a relatively new prospect that has flown under the radar, but that is not stopping him from working hard to prove he can be one of the best forwards in the league.
Quote:Originally posted by ztevans@Jul 24 2016, 10:38 PM Question! How did you choose number 98?
You know, I was never really big on numbers and usually just took what was given to me. However I am very close to both of my siblings as they were the ones that pushed me to pursue my career in hockey. My sister Katia was 9 pounds when she was born and my brother Alexandr was 8 pounds, so I combined both of their numbers as a tribute to them.
zbelanger
