Latvia’s top player at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Eriks Mateiko, will move from the Saint John Sea Dogs to the Oceanic at the QMJHL holiday trade deadline.
The transaction has been known for weeks, but as is the rule, no exchange involving members of the countries represented can be confirmed during the competition.
Third-round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2024, Mateiko was spectacular during Latvia’s run in the championship played in Ottawa.
The three-year Saint John veteran scored five goals in as many games during the tournament.
He notably achieved the Latvian miracle against Canada, during the 8th round of the shootout, after scoring in the third period in his team’s victory by a score of 3-2, on December 27.
Giant size winger
Eriks Mateiko has 98 points (53-45) in 134 career games in the QMJHL. The giant 6-foot-6, 209-pound winger has scored 14 goals and five assists in 23 games so far in 2024-25.
According to our information, managing director Danny Dupont will release Pavel Simek. The Czech, who also participated in the World Junior Hockey Championship, will not be part of the upcoming transaction.
Mateiko will team up with Basile Sansonnens in the European duo Océanic.
