Sandis Ozoliņš
| Sandis Ozoliņš | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ozoliņš with the San Jose Sharks in 2008 | |||
| Born |
3 August 1972 Sigulda, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union | ||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||
| Weight | 214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for |
Dinamo Riga San Jose Sharks Colorado Avalanche Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers Mighty Ducks of Anaheim New York Rangers Dinamo Riga Atlant Moscow Oblast | ||
| National team | Latvia | ||
| NHL draft |
30th overall, 1991 San Jose Sharks | ||
| Playing career | 1990–2014 | ||
Sandis Ozoliņš (born 3 August 1972), commonly spelled Sandis Ozolinsh /ˈsɑːndɪs ˈoʊzoʊlɪntʃ/ in North America, is a Latvian former professional ice hockey player and coach. During his career in North America, Ozoliņš was a seven-time NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup champion (as a member of the 1995–96 Colorado Avalanche), and James Norris Memorial Trophy finalist. He is also the all-time leader for goals, assists, points, and games played by a Latvian in the NHL and holds several Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks franchise records. Ozoliņš was also the highest-paid sportsman in Latvian history, before NBA basketball player Andris Biedriņš succeeded him in 2008. He briefly became the head coach of Dinamo Riga in 2017.
Ozoliņš was drafted in the 1991 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks as the 8th pick of the second round, 30th overall. He played for the Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and New York Rangers. He is often considered a prototype "offensive defenceman," becoming heavily involved in his team's offense and scoring opportunities.
In 2014, Ozoliņš was awarded Order of the Three Stars for his long-standing contributions to Latvian ice hockey and sports.