From Latvia to Kamloops Kufterins Embracing WHL Opportunity
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
Kamloops Blazers goaltender Ivans Kufterins is ready to get started in the Western Hockey League.
The Blazers selected the Latvian goaltender in the CHL Import Draft after he put up solid numbers overseas in the Latvian Men’s League and represented his country at the Under-18 World Junior Championship.
I caught up with the newest Blazer not long after he landed here in Kamloops. Kufterins says his first days in the city have left a strong impression. “The first thing I noticed is that it’s really hot here,” Kaufterins said with a smile. “But I like it, a lot of nice views, a nice small town feel.”
Kufterins has wasted no time getting himself ready for the 2025-26 season. “It’s been good,” he said. “A lot of practice, a lot of goalie skates with our goalie coach. I really like it here so far, great exercises and good pace.”
Growing up in Latvia, Kufterins had no shortage of goaltending idols. As a child, he looked up to former NHLer Arturs Irbe. Now, his inspiration has come from netminder Arturs Silovs, who carved out his own path with the Barrie Colts of the OHL before making the Vancouver Canucks.” More recently, it’s been Silovs, because we actually had the same goalie coach and played for the same team,” Kufterins said.
Kufterins won’t see preseason action as he’s set to join the Utah Mammoth for their upcoming rookie camp and tournament, an opportunity to test himself against some of the best young talent in the game.
The thought of skating out for his first game in front of Blazers fans has the young netminder buzzing with anticipation.“I’m really excited,” he said. “I know there are a lot of fans here, and Kamloops has some of the best fans in junior hockey. This is the best junior league in the world, so it was an easy decision for me to come here and play.”
When asked about his own game, Kufterins pointed to his athleticism and compete level as his defining traits.“I’d say I’m a pretty athletic goalie, always fighting for every puck,” he said. “I think I’m really fast in net, and that’s one of my biggest strengths.”
With his first WHL season on the horizon and an NHL rookie camp just days away, Kufterins finds himself standing at the start of an exciting new chapter.
