Veteran Forward Joahim stals Seeking European possibility, Eyes Olympic Team Spot
Riga, Latvia – Veteran Latvian hockey forward Joahim Stals is actively pursuing opportunities in either the Czech or German leagues, seeking game time to bolster his chances of selection for the Latvian national team at the upcoming Olympic tournament. Currently playing for Mogo/RSU in Latvia, Stals discussed his search in a recent interview, citing challenges with foreign player limits in Germany.
“It is indeed a bit harder in Germany as there are limited maps of foreigners allowed for the season, and most clubs have already used everything,” Stals explained. He highlighted the Czech Republic as an “ideal option,” noting its high level of play.
Discussions with one club fell through after approximately two weeks of negotiation. Stals also revealed a previous inquiry from Mihalovce in Slovakia this summer, but he opted to hold out for a possibly better opportunity.
selection for the Olympic team will be persistent by the national team coach, with three test games at the ”Deutschland Cup” in november serving as a key evaluation period.”I think all the teams will lead their best lineups, as there will be no such test match before the Olympics,” Stals stated.
Despite a recent run of low statistics – specifically, Kaspars Daugaviņš’s single assist in seven games - Stals expressed confidence in his current physical condition. “I think I’m ready to fight in any league at the moment. I have been training from the Ligo festivity,and now I just have to get the confidence that can only be done through the game.”
Acknowledging the importance of performance metrics, Stals added, ”If you can perform and prove [sevi], then the coach has not much to think.” He referenced feeling physically fit during the last championship but lacking goal production, a factor impacting his ice time.
Looking ahead,Stals acknowledged the physical demands of continuing his career,comparing his situation to Sandis Ozolins’s play at age 41 in Sochi [2014]. “Its finish line is for some time, just that finish cannot be achieved,” he said with a laugh, adding he has set goals for himself and intends to pursue them.
Stals welcomed reports of Sandis Ozolins potentially joining the Latvian national team’s coaching staff, calling it “a huge plus” and praising Ozolins as a “legendary hockey player” with much to offer Latvian hockey.
