Tornado Defenseman Freibergs Named Best of Division I World Juniors
December 20, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
Texas Tornado defenseman Ralfs Freibergs was named as the Best Defenseman by the Directorate of the 2010 IIHF Division I World Junior Hockey Championships, as he led his native Latvia to the Championship and a berth in next year's Top Division of the World Junior Championships against the likes of the United States and Canada.
Latvia defeated the host Belarus on Sunday 3-1 to claim the title outright with a perfect 5-0 record through competition, which included a win over Tornado teammate Jack Prince and England on Day One. Freibergs finished with three points in five games played. "It was an honor to receive the award," said Freibergs, who is still overseas. "A lot of the other defensemen in the tournament were drafted in the NHL or KHL, so to be honored with this was special to me. I am also very happy that with this win Latvia will move up to the top level of the World Junior Championships next season."
Meanwhile Jack Prince, who's England team defeated Japan on Sunday 3-1, lead the entire tournament in goal scoring with five goals in five games, sharing the lead with Nikolai Suslo of Belarus, who was also named as the Top Forward in the tournament by the Directorate. England finished 3rd in the tournament with a 3-2 record losing to Latvia and Belarus during the competition.
Both Prince and Freibergs return back to the Tornado after Christmas after missing the last four regular season games as they prepare for the next Tornado home game on New Year's Eve, December 31st as the Tornado host the Wichita Falls Wildcats at 7:30pm at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco.
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- Tornado Defenseman Freibergs Named Best of Division I World Juniors - Texas Tornado
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