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Winnipeg Jets Ink Development Camp Invitee Ralfs Freibergs to an AHL Contract

According to international reports, the Winnipeg Jets have inked 2014 Prospect Camp invitee Ralfs Freibergs to an AHL deal. Ralfs is a Latvian Olympian and he is exiting the NCAA where he recorded 3 goals and 19 assists for 22 points in 37 games last season.

Ralfs made AIH's list of unsigned players to watch prior to development camp. The following was said:

Ralfs Freibergs played in the Olympics, so that is pretty cool. Ralfs is another one of the many undersized, puck moving defenders that will be attending Winnipeg Jets Development Camp. Ralfs posted 22 points in 37 game this season after posting 7 points in 8 games in a brief stint as a freshman.

Ralfs' 0.59 points per game actually rank him slightly ahead of the other NCAA defenders that will be attending camp, just edging out Shane Hanna and Nolan Zajac, but Ralfs is also the oldest of the trio. Shane Hanna is the youngest.

After Development Camp Ryan had this to say:

Ralfs Freibergs was the most impressive invite, which isn't surprising as he's 23 years old and played for Latvia in the Olympics, so with his age and pedigree he should have stood out. It's surprising to me that he's still not the property of an NHL team, though. I'd very much like to see the Jets take a chance on him. He was very good.

Ralfs is expecting to be in the mix for an AHL job at the start of next season. The IceCaps roster will have room after the departure of Zach Redmond, but Ralfs acknowledges that he may have to start the season in the ECHL.

Below is the source article, full of quotes from Ralfs, translated by Google. Link here.

"I can reveal that I have ordered the signature of the American Hockey League (AHL) contract, with the possibility of being sent to the ECHL. Will go to North America in mid-September, "said Ralph Freibergs Latvian hockey player. During the conversation with the BBC News Latvian guard also told about the experience of NHL development camp and the unfortunate Sochi Olympics disqualification.

"NHL club Winnipeg" Jets "camp went well for me," revealed Freiberga. "This was the first time I participated in the development of young players in the camp. More attention was paid to the lessons on the ice, but the training was quite hard. There were things that gave way better, had things off as it should have been run in the future. I got a great experience. "

Latvian hockey players of the Sochi Olympics were found positive doping tests. Latvietis the next season would be spent in the National College of Sports Association (NCAA) club "Bowling Green State University", but it will not do, the longer the IIHF decision to no longer willing to wait.

AHL career will continue

"I could not wait, had to make a decision. I had a choice between several teams. As long as the club officially notifies the signing of the agreement, the team would not want to name names. I can only reveal that I ordered the signature of the American Hockey League (AHL) contract, with the possibility of being sent to the ECHL. Will go to North America in mid-September. "

"Playing hockey, I wanted to get a higher education, because I think it's very important. However, all cut into the head. Ineligibility due to play college hockey should be, "said Freibergs.

Fight for justice

23-year-old Freibergs was shocked and very critical of the Russian Doping Agency, which oversaw the Olympic Games. "I believe that I am completely innocent and" clean. "The Russian company is not formally registered, it is lightly and funny. The documents, which they presented Olympic Committee, had been marked by hand. Now the fight for justice, I would like to prove it.

"I believe that I was let down – that is my opinion. Look for events in Ukraine. I am no longer in this respect nothing is not surprising. I would like people thinks, "said Latvian guard, pointing to the Russian political corruption and aggression.

A decision on the future of Freiberga International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) would adopt in September. If hockey players will be given a match penalty in this he will be able to play only North American professional leagues. Also Latvians will not be allowed to participate in any IIHF international tournament.

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