About Sandis Ozoliņš
Sandis Ozoliņš (born 3 August 1972), commonly spelled Sandis Ozolinsh in North America, is a Latvian former professional ice hockey player and coach. During his career in North America, Ozoliņš was a seven-time NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup champion (as a member of the 1995–96 Colorado Avalanche), and James Norris Memorial Trophy finalist. He is also the all-time leader for goals, assists, points, and games played by a Latvian in the NHL and holds several Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks franchise records. Ozoliņš was also the highest-paid sportsman in Latvian history, before NBA basketball player Andris Biedriņš succeeded him in 2008. He briefly became the head coach of Dinamo Riga in 2017. Ozoliņš was drafted in the 1991 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks as the 8th pick of the second round, 30th overall. He played for the Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and New York Rangers. He is often considered a prototype "offensive defenceman," becoming heavily involved in his team's offense and scoring opportunities. In 2014, Ozoliņš was awarded Order of the Three Stars for his long-standing contributions to Latvian ice hockey and sports. Ozoliņš helped the Sharks to move beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, losing in the 1994 conference semifinals. He and Latvian teammate Artūrs Irbe won a Turner Cup with the Blades in 1992. During his career in North America, Ozoliņš was a seven-time NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup champion, and James Norris Memorial Trophy finalist.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.