Miervaldis Arpa Junior Review

[diacope 1,696]

 

Born: Riga, Latvia 

Age: 22

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 238lbs

Catches: Right

 

     Arpa is one of Latvia's top goaltender prospects with strong family genes, his father Aleksis Arpa played in the LHHL in the early 90s and broke records through that decade playing the same position, every game with HK Saga Kekava, although his career didn't lift off.. he's been behind his son every step of the way. Born in a family of athletes it was certain Miervaldis was going to succeed but hockey stood out above the rest, it was the most entertaining and he wanted more than anything to bring the Arpa name into the VHL.

 

     Playing in the same league as his Dad, Arpa was able to capture a couple of titles in the four seasons played and his numbers increased every year, he comes nowhere close to any records but is considered one of the best rebound controllers in the last couple of decades, following in his father's footsteps accordingly. Miervaldis has had his fair share of games as well, starting in 101 of a possible 120 games for HK Kurbads and was the team captain in the last couple of seasons. Another notable highlight would be appearing in 4 straight allstar games and winning a shooutout that went over 20 rounds last season in the playoffs.

 

    In the paint Arpa moves quickly and doesn't shy away from playing the puck whenever he has the chance, using his pads and stick to the best of his ability, he also has the experience to take on a barrage of shots or take a backseat without a care and will always be motivated for every game. Another thing you can watch out for will be his commitment to stay deep in his crease, covering anything close and never challenged a shooter during his time in the LHHL. Looking at his style of equipment it looks like Miervaldis has been rotating between old styles of Reebok, mostly due to the fact that there's more freedom for his feet and being used to wearing his dad's old trappers and blockers.

 

     Now with a bright future ahead of him Miervaldis Arpa is ready for whatever challenges the VHL throws his way until he finally makes it, following in the footsteps of the greatest goaltenders we see right now. The only thing stopping this goaltender from making an impact right away will be the amount or shots faced but it seems like this youngster is determined to stay true to his family roots and show off his ability to control the puck, hopefully stopping any streaks and momentum shifts.