Karlis Skrastins was a Latvian ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and internationally. He was known for his strong defensive skills and his ability to block shots.
Skrastins began his professional career in 1993 with Pardaugava Riga in the Latvian Hockey League. He then played for several teams in Europe before being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the ninth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Skrastins made his NHL debut with the Predators in the 1999-2000 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He played for the Predators for three seasons before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2003.
With the Avalanche, Skrastins continued to excel as a defensive defenseman and shot blocker. He played for the team for five seasons and was a key member of their 2004 Stanley Cup playoff run.
After leaving the Avalanche, Skrastins played for the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and finally the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. He also represented Latvia in several international tournaments, including the Olympics and World Championships.
Skrastins tragically died in a plane crash in 2011 while playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. He was remembered as a dedicated and hardworking player who was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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