Hockey Punks Vilnius
Wikipedia - Hockey Punks Vilnius
Hockey Punks Vilnius is a professional ice hockey team located in Vilnius, Lithuania, which plays in the Latvian Hockey Higher League, the top tier of ice hockey in Latvia. They play home games at Pramogų arena.
History
Hockey Punks Vilnius were founded in 2007 when Lithuanian national team players Šarūnas Kuliešius and Martynas Šlikas started popularising the sport in the capital. Interest in the sport further increased following the launch of 'Heat on Ice' on Tango TV. Heat on Ice was a weekly show covering the latest hockey news and highlights from around the world, with celebrity guests. One of these guests was G&G Sindikatas rapper Gabrielius 'Svaras' Liaudanskas who would go on to be a prominent supporter of the team, often promoting Hockey Punks in interviews. Svaras would subsequently play for the team for 6 years, as did his bandmate Andrius 'Pushaz' Glušakovas.
Initially, Hockey Punks focused solely on training, before ultimately joining the Lithuanian second tier in 2010. Their first season was a tough one, only winning one game whilst suffering a goal difference of -41. Three seasons later, Hockey Punks were admitted to the Lithuania Hockey League, where they have played since. During their time in the NLRL, Hockey Punks have not won the league, however, they have lost in the playoff finals on two occasions; in 2016 and 2019.
Between 2013 and 2017 former NHL star and Olympic gold medalist Darius Kasparaitis played sporadically for the Hockey Punks in order to qualify for the Lithuanian national team, having previously represented Russia. During this time with the team Kasparaitis played 7 games for the Hockey Punks, registering 22 points.
In 2020 Hockey Punks took part in the inaugural Baltic Hockey League, a competition made up of two teams from each of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The team finished 2nd in their group after beating Estonian side HC Everest, but losing to Latvia's HK Liepāja, and therefore qualified for the final round, scheduled for February 2021.
The players of Hockey Punks Vilnius are a tight-knit group of individuals who share a passion for the sport and a determination to succeed. They are not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional hockey tactics, making them a formidable opponent for any team they face.
With a dedicated fan base that cheers them on at every game, Hockey Punks Vilnius has quickly become a fan favorite in the Lithuanian ice hockey scene. Their fast-paced, high-energy games are always a thrill to watch, and fans can expect nothing less than an exciting and intense performance every time the team takes the ice.
Whether they are facing off against local rivals or competing on the national stage, Hockey Punks Vilnius always brings their A-game and leaves it all on the ice. With their unique blend of skill, passion, and punk rock attitude, this team is sure to continue making waves in the world of Lithuanian ice hockey for years to come.