Hype Hockey: Vilmanis Crowned MVP in July

Sandis Vilmanis, a name now recognized not only in Latvia but also in North America, is a rising star in hockey. In 2022, he was drafted by the NHL's Florida Panthers in the fifth round, 157th overall. Since then, he has had a successful career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and recently began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing for the Panthers' farm team, the Charlotte Checkers.

 This is why his appearance at the Hype Hockey tournament in Mārupe was a true event, and his play fully lived up to expectations. In the middle of July, 3-on-3 hockey became a genuine celebration of the sport. The fast-paced, dynamic game, filled with goals and spectacular moments, turned the tournament into a spectacle that will be remembered by both participants and fans.

Sandis finished the tournament with an impressive stat line of 10 total points, a testament to his offensive prowess. His scoring was particularly dominant, with 8 of those points being goals and the remaining two coming from assists. His clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on every opportunity made him the pivotal difference-maker for his team.

While Sandis Vīlmanis was rightfully named MVP, the tournament was also home to another outstanding performance by Aleksandrs Zaprivoda. As a true competitor, Zaprīvoda matched Vīlmanis's point total, also securing 10 points to his name.

 What makes Zaprivoda's achievement even more remarkable is that he reached the same point total while playing one less game than the tournament's MVP. His style of play showcased a different kind of offensive brilliance, balancing scoring with playmaking. He notched 5 goals and 5 assists, proving his versatility and elite passing skills. His ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates made him a constant threat and a top-tier player in the tournament. 

The Hype Hockey tournament was a celebration of skill, speed, and sportsmanship. With top-tier talent like Sandis Vilmanis and Aleksandrs Zaprivoda leading the way, the event was a resounding success, setting a high bar for future competitions.