His first effort would be in Division-B of the Latvia would finish 2nd to Slovakia in Division B play, after 6 wins and 1 loss in 7 games.
His first effort would be in Division-B of the 1995 World Championships. In his second effort, now as captain in 1996, Latvia would improve to 1st in Division B, after 6 wins and 1 draw in 7 games.