Rudolfs Berzkalns sits down to discuss his second season with Muskegon, the upcoming NHL Draft and his experience with Latvia at the World Junior Championships.
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are looking to repeat as Clark Cup champions. After claiming the title in 2024-25, the organization is pushing to be the first team to repeat as champions since the Omaha Lancers achieved the feat, winning in both the 1992-93 season and 1993-94 season.
Rudolfs Berzkalns, who is currently in his second season with the Lumberjacks, believes this group has what it takes to work their way back to the top of the United States Hockey League.
“It’s going to take us being close together as a team and building strong chemistry both on and off the ice,” Berzkalns said. “I feel like we have a pretty good chance of getting back there, but we’re not worried about that right now. We are focusing one day at a time and taking it step by step.”
Currently, the Lumberjacks sit in third place in the USHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 30-15-0-1, seven points behind the first-place Youngstown Phantoms with 16 games left in the regular season.
“I feel like our mindset is in the right spot, just staying in the present with our games,” Berzkalns said. “We’re battling every single day, whether it’s at practice or during a workout. Whatever we’re doing as a team, everyone’s super connected and ready to go.”
Through 32 games this season, Berzkalns has recorded eight goals and 11 assists, tied for the eighth most points among all Lumberjack skaters. The forward’s game has seen an uptick in production during his second year in the USHL, after posting eight points in 43 games as a rookie in the league.
“Muskegon has done a great job with my development. I’m just realizing this year that I can compete with these guys and have the confidence to play my game,” Berzkalns said. “The coaches trust me more, and I’m getting more ice time to make plays.”
One of the biggest plays to this point in Berzkalns career came during the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota. The 17-year-old scored with under two minutes to play against Canada to tie the game at 1-1 and force overtime in an eventual 2-1 loss for Latvia.
“It was a great experience, a super cool moment for me,” Berzkalns said. “It was the biggest goal I’ve scored in my life so far and helped our team out.”
The Latvians finished seventh at the World Juniors for the second straight year, showcasing the growth that hockey in Latvia is seeing. The 2027 World Juniors that are set to take place in Edmonton will be the sixth straight year Latvia participates in the top division of the tournament.
“Latvian hockey is growing. More kids are wanting to play, and because of that, we are becoming better and more successful as a country,” Berzkalns. “Beating Canada last year and taking them to overtime this year, it’s something special to do for Latvia.”
Berzkalns has been projected to be selected in the second or third round of the 2026 National Hockey League Draft, something that the forward has tried to keep out of his mind as he closes out the year strong in Muskegon.
“Obviously, it’s in the back of your head, but I feel like when games start, I just play the game,” Berzkalns said. “I’m just trying to do my best every single day and get 100% of myself no matter what I am doing.”
Berzkalns has shown enough promise throughout his young career to receive a commitment from Boston College for the 2026-27 season. The next step in his career brings great excitement to the Lumberjacks forward.
“I feel like it was a pretty easy decision for me. They have a really good program, and they [Boston College] helped me realize I should continue my hockey career there,” Berzkalns said. “I’m looking forward to being in Boston and getting to play in the Beanpot.”
When asked about his goals for his career, Berzkalns remained focused on this year but admitted that he knows where he wants to see himself a few years down the road.
“I want to finish strong, get on a good run and get back to the Clark Cup Finals. That’s something we can accomplish if we stick to our game,” Berzkalns said. “I have a goal of getting drafted, playing for Boston College and ultimately lifting the Stanley Cup.”
The Lumberjacks return to action on Friday night when they host the Sioux City Musketeers. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. EST.