Murnieks named to Latvian camp roster

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Olivers Murnieks has been named to Latvia's preliminary roster for the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship.

The Latvian squad announced its camp roster on Sunday. They'll hold training camp and pre-tournament games in Minnesota prior to the tournament's official start on Boxing Day.

Murnieks, assuming he is healthy, is basically a lock to make the team. The Saint John Sea Dogs forward appeared in five games with Latvia at last year's tournament, posting an impressive four points (one goal and three assists) as a 16-year-old.

Murnieks, along with former Sea Dogs captain Eriks Mateiko, helped Latvia reach the quarterfinals last year. 

#SJSeaDogs forward Olivers Murnieks has been named to Latvia's National Junior Team roster ahead of the 2026 #WorldJuniors! 🇱🇻#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/LYcXEf3jFG

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) December 15, 2025

The Hockey Writers has Murnieks penciled in as the team's first line centre.

Murnieks got off to a hot start with the Sea Dogs, recording five assists in his first three games. That pace slowed down and an upper body injury has allowed him to appear in just one game since Nov. 30. In 22 games, Murnieks has three goals and 10 assists. A strong – and healthy – world junior tournament could be huge for him and the Sea Dogs.

The Latvians will open the tournament against Canada on Dec. 27. They'll also face Finland, Denmark and Czechia. All of those games will be played at the University of Minnesota.

Other QMJHL players named to Latvia's roster include goaltender Mikus Vecvanags (Newfoundland); defenseman Reinis Auzins (Sherbrooke); and forward Martins Klaucans (Sherbrooke).