The Blackfalds Bulldogs are proud to announce the invitation of Krisjanis Sarts to play for Team Latvia at the 2026 World Junior Championship this December 26th – January 5th in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sarts joined the Bulldogs at the beginning of the 2025-26 BCHL season. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 181lbs, Krisjanis has accumulated 9 assists in 26 games this season. He was also a member of last year’s Latvian Team at the World Junior Championships as a 17-year-old, and will bring a veteran presence on the Latvian blueline at this year’s Championships.
The 2007 Riga, Latvia-born defenceman is excited for this special opportunity to represent his country. “I’m very honoured to be invited to play for Team Latvia at the World Junior Championships this year.”
The whole organization is extremely excited for Sarts’ opportunity to play at the World Junior Championships this year. Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations, Doug Quinn, said, “The Bulldogs Organization is excited to see Krisjanis compete at the World Junior Hockey Championships. He has been a valued member for the Bulldogs this year. It will be a great opportunity for Krisjanis to compete against the best Junior players in the world. What an incredible and valuable experience this will be for him.”
The enthusiasm for Sarts continued with Bulldogs Head Coach, Ryan Tobler, “We would like to congratulate Kris Sarts on his invitation to play for Team Latvia at the WJC. It is a tremendous honour and well deserved. He has been a valuable addition to the Bulldogs, on and off the ice this season. We will be watching and supporting Kris during the tournament.”
Al Parada, Bulldogs Director of Player Personnel, added his excitement, “I am extremely excited and proud of Kris to receive the opportunity to play for his country on the World Junior stage. Krisjanis has worked very hard for this opportunity, and has been a big contributor to the Bulldogs’ early success this season.”
So far, Sarts has enjoyed a successful rookie campaign with the Bulldogs and is looking forward to using that experience gained in the BCHL to compete at the World Junior Championships over the holidays. “My time in Blackfalds has helped me develop and grow as a player, and I’m very excited to bring that experience into the tournament.”
The entire Bulldogs organization would like to congratulate and wish Krisjanis and his family good luck at the World Junior Championships in Minnesota!
