Rocket alumni Lauris Darzins to carry carry Latvia’s flag at Olympic opening ceremonies

The Internationa Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) official Twitter account shared that former Kelowna Rockets forward Lauris Darzins will carry Latvia’s flag alongside luger Eliza Tiruma at the opening ceremonies of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Darzins, who is the captain of the KHL’s Dinamo Riga, will also wear the ‘C’ for Latvia at the Olympics.

The 37-year-old played two seasons for the Rockets, between 2004 and 2006, helping Kelowna capture a WHL title with Kelowna in 2005.

He appeared in 100 WHL regular-season games with the Rockets, posting 67 points (32G, 35A), 64 penalty minutes and a +11 plus/minus. The Riga, LAT product also played in 30 playoff games, adding another 20 points (12G, 8A), 12 penalty minutes and +14 plus/minus.

Drafted by the  Nashville Predators in the ninth round at the 2003 NHL Draft, Darzins has gone on to play in Finland, the Czech Republic, Belarus and Russia.

He’s currently playing his 12th season with Dinamo, this season he has posted 18 points (3G, 15A) over 36 games.

This will be Darzins third time representing Latvia at the Olympics.

🇱🇻 🚩 With the #Beijing2022 opening ceremonies only a few days away, @lhf_lv has announced that Captain Lauris Darzins will carry the country's flag alongside Luger Eliza Tiruma. pic.twitter.com/4HewtHpGp9

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 1, 2022

Captain of @hcDINAMORIGA.
Captain of Team Latvia (@lhf_lv).
And Latvia's flag bearer at #Beijing2022 opening ceremony.

Lauris Darzins 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/x2y7tyX2Q3

— KHL (@khl_eng) February 1, 2022