Dallas Stars defender Skrastins leads roster for Latvia’s Olympic hockey

2 NHL defenders to lead Latvia’s Olympic effort

RIGA, Latvia — Veteran NHL defender Karlis Skrastins of the Dallas Stars will headline the roster for Latvia’s Olympic hockey squad.

Skrastins will be joined by defender Oskars Bartulis of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 23-man lineup announced Tuesday by coach Olegs Znaroks.

The Latvian club will face medal contenders Russia and the Czech Republic in the group stage when the Vancouver games commence in February.

Skrastins and Bartulis are the only NHL players in the Latvian roster, which includes 15 players from the KHL club Dinamo Riga.

Latvia is hoping to win its first Olympic medal in the sport.