the most comprehensive bio page on the net for Karlis Skrastins!
Skrastins (pronounced "Skrass-TEECH')
Karlis Skrastins #3 Defensman for The Colorado Avalanche
Shoots: Left
Height: 6' 1
Weight: 210 lbs
Born: Riga, Latvia
Bdate: July 9, 1974
Nashville's eighth selection, 230th overall, in the 1998 Entry Draft
... Acquired by Colorado from Nashville in exchange for future considerations on June 30, 2003.
the owner of this site claims no copyright to the above photo
****** info is posted most recent first ******
As of the end of the '05/'06 Season,
Karlis has now played in 433 straight games, the longest active streak in
the NHL and the second longest streak by a defenseman in NHL history.
********
As of 10.14.2005
Karlis Skrastins is the league's current ironman, with 356 consecutive games played.
********
2005-06 Season: Karlis Has Signed His Qualifying Offer
08.09.2005
Okay, well since there was no 2004-05 NHL Season due to the Lockout, Karlis
played for Riga, Latvia.
I am happy to report that Karlis has signed a new one year contract with the Avs
for the 2004-05 Season! Yay!
C O N G R A T S * K A R L I S ! !
Colorado is so happy to have you back on our winning team! Best Wishes!!
Fast Facts About Skratch!
* Did you know Karlis played all 82 games last season- this makes it his 4th
consecutive season to play all 82 games!
* Only Karlis and Milan Hedjuk played all 77 regular season games this season!
* Did you know that Karlis' has the longest active NHL games played streak of 351!
* During Karlis' first season with the Avalanche, he ranked 3rd in on-ice time!
(21:49) He follows Rob Blake and Adam Foote!
* When Karlis played for Nashville, he was second on the Predators' in average
ice-time last season (20:17 min/game)
* Karlis scored his first hat trick when he played for Team Latvia in the 2003
World Championships against Belarus!
* Karlis also enjoys soccer and basketball!
* Two of Karlis' nicknames are Karli and Skratch!
* Karlis played in his first NHL playoff game April 7, 2004 with the Avs against Dallas!
* "Loves to play the body and block shots. Has great character and an
infectious personality. Is underrated in all aspects of the game."
NHL Firsts
Game: February 9, 1999 vs. Detroit
Goal: December 26, 1999 at St. Louis
Assist: February 9, 1999 vs. Detroit
Avalanche Firsts
Game: October 10, 2003 vs. Chicago
Goal: November 2, 2003 at NY Rangers
Assist: October 23, 2003 vs. Edmonton
Career Highlights
Most Goals/Game: 1 (18x) February 20, 2004 at Dallas
Most Assists/Game: 2 (2x) October 25, 2001 at Calgary
Most Points/Game: 2 (3x) March 20, 2003 at Vancouver
Point Streak: 2 games (10x) 03/17/03 ? 03/20/03 (1g/2a)
Goal Streak: 2 games 03/23/02 ? 03/25/02 (2g)
Assist Streak: 2 games (6x) 03/17/03 ? 03/20/03 (2a)
Consecutive Games Played: 351 games 02/21/00 - present
Multiple Point Games: 3 2-point
2005-06 SEASON: News on Scratch and the Avs!
View Skratch's Bio on NHLPA- click here!
July 2, 2004:
Rocky Mtn News
Skrastins, 29, signed a one-year, $1,875,000 deal - a $675,000 raise.
The Avalanche's June 2003 trade for Skrastins turned out to be a steal.
The Avalanche gave up a third-round pick in last weekend's NHL draft for
Skrastins, who more than made up for the loss of defenseman Greg de Vries to free agency.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound -Skrastins played in all 82 games for the fourth season
in a row, extending the league's longest current playing streak to 351 games.
Solid in his own end, Skrastins registered five goals, eight assists and a
plus-18 rating while averaging nearly 22 minutes of ice time.
"Karlis' play was a key part of the on-ice success of our hockey club last season,"
Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix said. "While his pure defensive style
means that Karlis' play often goes unnoticed, his experience and durability
were invaluable to our defensive corps."
July 2, 2004
The Avs gave raises to two players: defenseman Karlis Skrastins and forward
Peter Worrell. Skrastins signed a one-year contract worth $1.875 million,
up from a previous salary of $1.2 million, and Worrell received a one-year
deal worth $880,000, a 10 percent raise.
The Avs rewarded Skrastins with a raise for his play for them last season.
"His pure defensive style means that Karlis' play often goes unnoticed, (but)
his experience and durability were invaluable," Avalanche president and general
manager Pierre Lacroix said.
Skrastins' 351 consecutive games played are the most of any active NHL player.
In 82 games for Colorado, the Latvian scored five goals and 13 points and was a plus-18.
Complete Article Here, Denver Post
(excerpt, July 1, 2004 from coloradoavalanche.com)
"Karlis' play was a key part of the on-ice success of our hockey club last season,"
said Colorado Avalanche President and General Manager Pierre Lacroix. "While his
pure defensive style means that Karlis' play often goes unnoticed, his experience
and durability were invaluable to our defensive corps."
Skrastins, 29, played in all 82 games for the fourth consecutive season in 2003-04,
extending his longest active NHL games played streak to 351. He collected five goals
and eight assists adding 26 penalty minutes on the season, matching a career-best
for goals and establishing career-bests for plus/minus (+18) and average time
on ice (21:49). He ranked third in ice time among all Avalanche skaters,
behind only Rob Blake and Adam Foote.
The six-foot, one-inch, 210-pound native of Riga, Latvia made his first appearance
in the Stanley Cup Playoffs by leading all Avalanche skaters in ice time (25:48)
in Game One of the 2004 Western Conference Quarterfinals against Dallas on April 7
and collected his first career post season point/assist on Marek SvatosĶs overtime
game-winner at Dallas in Game Four of the WCQF on April 14.
Skrastins is a veteran of 389 games in the National Hockey League, posting career
totals of 18 goals and 49 assists for 67 points adding 156 penalty minutes.
He has played in 11 career playoff games, all with Colorado, registering two
assists and two penalty minutes.
source: coloradoavalanche.com
For Karlis' Complete Career Bio on The Avs Website, please click here!
You HAVE to read this story! EXCELLENT Story On Skratch!
This is a truly incredible story and you really should read it!
March 24, 2004
Karlis was selected a star in last night's game by the Denver Post
CONGRATS SKRATCH!
Feb. 23, 2004 Game
Read Complete Story Here!
"I think everybody has to pick it up when you are going to get more ice time,"
Skrastins said. "When those guys are out, you have to help the team. We need
them back, though. We need those guys."
CONGRATS SKRATCH!!!!
Karlis was selected a STAR by the Denver Post for the
FEB. 22, 2004 GAME
February 22, 2004
"One of the game's unsung heroes was Karlis Skrastins, who played almost
28 minutes and was on the ice for 6:19 of Minnesota's 10 minutes in power-play time.
Avs Win 3-1
"He's been very consistent. His game is the same every night," coach Tony Granato said.
"With both Blake and Foote out- Karlis Skrastins stepped up to play 27:39."
In fact, the Latvian defenseman was on the ice for more than six minutes when
the Avs were short-handed.
"I think everybody has to pick it up when you are going to get more ice time,"
Skrastins said. "When those guys are out, you have to help the team. We need
them back, though. We need those guys."
Read Who Fans Say The BEST MOVE This Year Was
*hint* Scratch is on the list! :)
Another Great Thread About Scratch!
Feb. 14, 2004 game:
"We like playing at sea level. We can't breathe at home," Sakic joked.
"We just have a lot of confidence when we play on the road. That'll be important in the playoffs."
Read The Complete Article
Defenseman Karlis Skrastins tied the game 2-2 with 27.8 seconds to play in the
second period after Steve Konowalchuk (two assists) won a faceoff in the left circle.
Skrastins' point shot deflected off a Red Wings player and sailed over goalie Manny Legace's glove.
Skrastins has been excellent all year.
He's durable, good in his own end and a pretty good skater.
-- Adrian/ Denver Post
Feb. 2004
posted Jan. 23, 2004 - Rocky Mountain News
BAD BLOOD: Florida's Marcus Nilson isn't a fan of Avalanche defenseman Karlis Skrastins,
whom he tried to goad into a fight in Wednesday's game. Nilson, who is from Sweden,
sustained a concussion in last year's World Championship tournament on a hit from behind
by Skrastins in a game against Latvia.
"He hit me a dirty hit that put me out for three months," Nilson told reporters after
Wednesday's game. "At least he owes me a fight, I think. He has to be, without a doubt,
the most gutless player in the league by far."
Get over it Nilson! Karlis didn't fight you because he has class!
And he didn't mean to give you a concussion- just knock some sense into you.....
but we can all see that didn't work!
Crying about it and dwelling on it won't get you anywhere Marcus!
Read what Fans Have to Say About Skratch not Fighting Poor Baby Nilson!
Great Article On Skratch! Jan. 18, 2004
Jan. 1, 2004: Karlis
December 29, 2003, The Denver Post
Adam Foote, Skrastins' usual defensive partner, describes him as a "totally solid player.'
"He's real solid in his own zone and does the little things,' Foote said.
"He's a good skater, and he's tough. He's real easy to play with, a great addition for us.'
"Very dependable, very consistent,' Avalanche coach Tony Granato said
of Skrastins' play. "He's fit in real well with the team, and I think he's enjoying himself.'
Skrastins, whose nickname is "Scratch,' confirms that.
"Playing with these guys, you learn something new every day,' Skrastins said.
"With (Foote), he's a great guy and he's helping me a lot. He's a good, steady defenseman.'
"It's nice to have Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic and everybody else on my side now,
instead of against me. I can tell you,' he said.
Complete Story
Kids First Article posted Dec. 2003
Sept. 19, 2003: Scratch Article
Sept. 15, 2003: Avs Love Skrastins!
You bet we do! Scratch is such an asset to our team!
July 21, 2003: Another Story on Karlis
4:55 PM EDT, 07/15/2003ę
Avalanche sign forward Battaglia, defenseman Slovak and Skrastinsę
Skrastins, 28, a six-foot, one-inch, 210-pound native of Riga, Latvia, joins the ę
Avalanche having played in 307 NHL games with the Nashville Predators, including ę
all 82 games each of the last three seasons. He finished his 2002-03 campaign with ę
the NHL's third-longest active games played streak (269), posting the second-highestę
ice time per game average (20:17) among Predator skaters last season.
July 2003
... Lacroix also acquired D Karlis Skrastins from the Nashville Predators on July
1 for future considerations and signed him to a one-year contract.
... Skrastins' arrival partially makes up for the loss of Ds Greg de Vries and Bryan Marchment.
De Vries signed a four-year contract with the New York Rangers, while Marchment inked a
one-year deal with Toronto.
July 20, 2003
Karlis signed a one-year deal to remain with the Avs.
Latvian Team Article
April 29th, 2003 Scratch scored 3 goals in one period!
"I was just trying to get the puck on the net," Skrastins said. "We had lots of guys
in front and I don't think he (Mezin) saw the shots." When asked about his NHL situation,
Skrastins was upbeat. "My agent is still talking to Nashville, so hopefully these three goals will help me."
July 1, 2003
The Avs acquired Karlis from Nashville for future considerations.
January 27, 2003
A fight with Todd Bertuzzi did not break Karlis' nose (Jan.20)
Karlis returned to the ice without a visor nor any added protection. BERTUZZI SUCKS!
Jan. 30, 2003: Bertuzzi nearly breaks Skrastins nose!
Jan. 24, 2003 article on Karlis
Predator Skrastins hoping to play a strong role with Latvia, maybe July 2002 ?
June 15, 2002: Karlis Goes Back to Nashville to Play instead of playing in the Olympic game
Latvian Fans Are Mad, 2002
Karlis Skrastins of the Nashville Predators, one of two NHLers on the team,
set up Latvia's winning goal with a perfect pass.
2000 World Championship
Congrats to Karlis for working so hard on the Latvian team to make it to the NHL!
We are so glad you here! You are a definite asset to the Avalanche and NHL!
LOTS OF OTHER GREAT KARLIS SKRASTINS STUFF
Photo Of Karlis playing for Latvia! at the 2002 Olympic Games
Welcome To Latvia
A Virtual Tour Of Riga
Latvia World Factbook
Latvian Newspapers & Magazine Subscriptions
Embassy Of Latvia
University Of Latvia -in English
University Of Latvia -in Latvian
Russians on NHL teams
Latvian Olympic Team
Skrastins Profile (I think it is in Latvian?)
Latvian Personal Home Pages
Kids First Fund
Latvians.com
"Karlis Skrastins--you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him"
the previous statement was spotted on a Latvian Message Board
....and isn't it the truth! Karlis is THE MAN OF STEEL!
(English)
NHL UPDATE- 2003- 04 season
Andris Jansons
There are three Latvians playing in the NHL (National Hockey League) this season:
Sandis Ozolinsh, Sergei Zholtok and Karlis Skrastinsh. Due to a conflict with the
Carolina Hurricanes, legendary goalie Arturs Irbe has been sent to the ECHL
(East Coast Hockey League) where is currently playing for the Johnstown Chiefs.
Irbe's return to the NHL is this season's number one question. His thoughts on the issue:
"It's all up to Carolina. I play where they tell me to play. I'm ready to get
back to the NHL at a moment's notice." * SANDIS OZOLINSH (Mighty Ducks of Anaheim)
began this season the most productively with 10 points ( 3 goals + 7 assists).
Ozolinsh' thoughts at the start of the season: "Good and not so good.
Everybody was waiting to see how we'd start the season after reaching
the Stanley Cup finals last year. There was too much attention on us,
and that was hard to handle." * SERGEI ZHOLTOK (Minnesota Wild) just returned
to team after missing several games due to an rregular heartbeat. In the
November 11 game versus the Vancouver Canucks, Zholtok scored his first goal
of the season, and in a previous game with Vancouver he had a fight with
Jarrko Ruutu. Sergei's statistics: 6 (1+5). * KARLIS SKRASTINS (Colorado Avalanche)
left Nashville in the summer and came to Colorado where he is considered
the best addition to the team ? after Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne, of course.
Skrastins' statistics are 3 (1+2). "I play my game in defense, which is just
what they expect from me. I don't go forward too much. I'm glad to be here
playing with these stars. I can learn and achieve a lot," says Skrastins.
------ Sports journalist Andris Jansons
(andris@jansonsmedia.com) lives in New Jersey, USA. http://www.jansonsmedia.com
(Latvian)
KAS SPELE NHL? Andris Jansons Sogad NHL (Nacionala Hokeja Liga) spele tris Latvijas
parstavji: Sandis Ozolins, Sergejs Zoltoks un Karlis Skrastins. Legendarais vartsargs
Arturs Irbe nesaskanu del ar sava kluba vadibu ir nosutits uz ECHL (East Coast Hockey League)
klubu Johnstown Chiefs. Irbes atgriesanas NHL ir jautajums numur viens. Vins pats saka:
"Tas viss liela mera ir atkarigs no Karolinas organizacijas. Vienigais ko es varu
darit ir spelet, kur man noradits. Jebkura mirkli esmu gatavs atkal spelet NHL."
* SANDIS OZOLINS (Mighty Ducks of Anaheim) sezonu ir iesacis visrezultativak: 10
punkti (3 guti varti + 7 rezultativas piespeles). Pats Sandis sezonas sakumu verte
atturigi : "Gan labi, gan slikti. Visi gaidija, ka tad mes pec pernas sezonas
Stenlija kausa finala saksim? Bija parak daudz uzmanibas, un tas mums bija par grutu."
* SERGEJS ZOLTOKS (Minnesota Wild) nupat atgriezies Wild pamatsastava pec vairakam
izlaistam spelem neregularas sirdsdarbibas del. 11. novembra spele pret Vancouver
Canucks guva pirmos vartus sosezon, iepriekseja spele paspejot izkauties ar Vankuveras
speletaju Ruutu. Zoltoka statistika ir 6 (1+5). * KARLIS SKRASTINS (Colorado Avalanche)
starpsezona parcelas no Nesvilas (Nashville) un tiek uzskatits par vienu no
vertigakajiem ieguvumiem ? protams pec Paul Kariya un Teemu Selanne.
Statistikas raditaji: 3 (1+2). "Es speleju savu speli aizsardziba, ko no
manim ari prasa. Daudz uz prieksu nelienu. Esmu priecigs, ka esmu seit,
un varu spelet ar tadam zvaigznem. Varu daudz ko macities un daudz ko sasniegt,"
rezume Karlis. ----Sporta zurnalists Andris Jansons
*** A Bit O' Avalanche History! ***
The Quebec Nordiques officially became the Colorado Avalanche on August 10, 1995
when the organization unveiled the team name and logo.
The Avalanche uniforms and logo feature a color scheme of burgundy, silver, blue and black.
The logo features a dominating letter "A" that stands like a mountain, representing
the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the strength required to survive in the NHL.
An avalanche on a puck whips around the solid "A", signifying the power and speed of
NHL skating, passing and shooting.
The name Avalanche was chosen after several weeks of polling. COMSAT gave Colorado fans
a list of the eight names to choose from and let the public respond. Avalanche was
the most popular nickname among fans.
The logo was designed by COMSAT's creative group in Denver (Creative Director Dan Price,
Senior Art Director Michael Beindorff, and Art Director Rick Fillmon,) in conjunction
with David Haney of the NHL.
Disclaimer
Updated: 09.21.2005 maintatined by buGG
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