Darzins To Play In Juniors

Kelowna Rockets forward Lauris Darzins and his national team of Latvia have earned a spot in next year's 2006 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Team Latvia, a member of the Division 1 qualifying tournament defeated Slovenia 6-5 in Sunday's championship game.

Darzins finished the 5 game tournament with 4 goals and 6 assists and was third in overall tournament scoring. Darzins is presently in his first season with the Rockets and has 7 goals and 5 assists in 24 games played.

Latvia's win and birth to the 2006 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship marks the first time the country will participate in the elite tournament.