Latvia

Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Riga is the capital and largest city. Latvia was part of the Soviet Union from 1940 until it regained its independence in 1991.

History of hockey in Latvia
The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 1923, and the country became IIHF members eight years later, on February 22, 1931. The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation was expelled from the IIHF in 1946 after the country's annexation by the Soviet Union. The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation was reinstated in 1991 after the country became independent, and they re-joined the IIHF the same year.

The first national championship was held in 1932. The top Latvian teams out of Riga were some of Europe's best-known teams during the 1930s. The national championship was contested in most years between 1932 and 1944. The top Latvian teams participated in the Soviet Championship League for decades when the country was part of the Soviet Union. The top team was Dinamo Riga, which produced the legendary coach, Viktor Tikhonov. For the 1991-92 season, the Latvian Hockey League was re-started. HK Saga Kekava won the first championship after independence. HK Liepājas Metalurgs has won the most titles since 1992, with six.

The men's national team made its international debut on February 27, 1932, defeating Lithuania in a friendly by a score of 3-0. A few weeks later, they participated in the 1932 European Championship, finishing in eighth place. The following year, they played in their first World Championship, in which they finished eighth in. Prior to being annexed by the Soviet Union, they also participated in the 1935, 1938, and 1939 World Championships. In 1936, Latvia participated in the Winter Olympics held in Garmisch-Patenkirchen, Germany. They finished in 15th and last place after failing to win a game. The Latvian SSR often participated in the Winter Spartakiad when the country was part of the Soviet Union. After becoming independent again, they qualified for the 1993 World Championship C Pool after winning the 1992 Group C Qualification tournament. They won the C Pool in 1993, and earned promotion to the B Pool for 1994. In 1996, they earned promotion to the top division, where they have played ever since. They participated in the Olympics in 2002, 2006, and 2010, with their best finish being ninth place in 2002.

The women's national team made its debut in 1992, playing in the Women's European Championship Pool B Qualification tournament. They participated in the Women's European Championships in 1993, 1995, and 1996. They have participated in the Women's World Championships every year since 1999. The women's national team has never qualified for the Olympic Games.

The junior national team participated in the World Junior Championship Group C Qualification tournaments in 1992 and 1993. They first played in the World Junior Championships in 1994. They have participated in the top division of the world juniors in 2009, 2010, and 2012.