Unusual Training: NHL Defenseman Balinskis Skates in a Shopping Mall
Latvian hockey stars, including NHL defenseman Uvis Jānis Balinskis, held a practice session on ice at the Akropole Rīga shopping center, preparing for the upcoming 8 Nations Cup.
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On Thursday, July 8, visitors to Akropole Rīga were treated to an unusual sight – several Latvian national team hockey players took to the ice in the middle of the shopping mall. Among them was NHL defenseman Uvis Jānis Balinskis, as well as North America-based players Eduards Tralmaks and Sandis Vilmanis.
The training session was part of preparations for the international 3x3 hockey tournament “8 Nations Cup,” scheduled for July 18-19 at Xiaomi Arena. The Latvian national team roster also includes Kristaps Zīle, Renārs Krastenbergs, Deniss Smirnovs, Roberts Mamčics, and Patriks Zabusovs.
Balinskis, who is the first Latvian defenseman to play in the NHL, noted that training in a shopping mall created a completely different atmosphere. While it was not the usual ice rink environment, this type of preparation allows players to break from routine and attract fan attention.
