Latvian Ice Hockey Federation seeks new head coach amid IIHF ban on Russia

The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation (LHF) said a decision on the national team's head coach is expected next week. General secretary Roberts Pļāvejs indicated that the contract of current coach Pēteris Vītoliņš, which ends after the World Championship where Latvia finished sixth – its best result ever – is under negotiation. Reports suggest a reduced salary offer and that some board members favour former U20 coach Artis Ābols.

Former Metallurg Magnitogorsk general manager Genādijs Veļičkins, a longtime KHL club representative, commented on the International Ice Hockey Federation's decision to bar Russian teams from future world championships. He noted, “Latvia has developed on the back of Russian hockey, but now…”, emphasizing Latvia’s shift away from reliance on Russian‑led hockey structures.