Aleksandrs Cicurskis Receives IIHF Johan Bollue Award

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has awarded the “Johan Bollue Award” to Latvian coach Aleksandrs Cicurskis, recognizing his outstanding and lifelong contribution to the development of children and youth hockey.

Aleksandrs Cicurskis has played a significant role in the development of young Latvian players, especially in Liepāja, and is the 2026 Johan Bollue Award winner.

The “Johan Bollue Award” is awarded to individuals for outstanding achievements in the development of youth hockey. This award honors coaches, mentors and organizers who demonstrate selflessness, passion and long-term investment in the development of the sport from the very beginning.

Aleksandrs Cicurskis has been one of the regional pillars of Latvian hockey for more than four decades. He created and developed the Liepāja children's and youth hockey system, creating an environment in which young hockey players could grow both athletically and personally.

His students include several Latvian national team players, as well as hockey players who have reached the European top leagues and even the National Hockey League (NHL): Sandis Ozoliņš, Sergejs Žoltoks, Viktors Ignatjevs, Grigorijs Panteļejevs, Raitis Ivanāns, Rūdolfs Balcers, Ronalds Ķēniņš and Miks Indrašis.