Arturs Silovs, a name that was once on the periphery of hockey enthusiasts’ radar, has now skyrocketed to fame and prominence, thanks to his extraordinary performances in the Upper Deck Series 2. The Young Guns cards have become the talk of the town, not just because of the much-hyped Connor Bedard, but also because of the remarkable rise of players like Silovs. The Vancouver Canucks’ goaltender, initially slotted third in the depth chart, found himself suddenly thrust into the limelight due to unexpected turns of events.
Silovs’ story is one of sheer determination and seizing opportunities when they arise. With injuries sidelining Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith, Silovs was handed the chance of a lifetime to showcase his talents on the big stage. The skeptics had their doubts when he faced off against the Nashville Predators, but Silovs swiftly silenced his critics with standout performances that defied all expectations. His heroics in the Stanley Cup playoffs were nothing short of spectacular, with one game seeing him make an impressive 42 saves, a feat that only a select few Canucks goalies have achieved in away playoff games.
But this wasn’t an overnight success for Silovs. His journey to the NHL was paved with dedication and hard work, starting from his days in junior hockey with the Barrie Colts to shining on the international stage with HS Riga in Latvia. Despite flying under the radar of many scouting reports, the Vancouver Canucks saw something special in him and picked him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Silovs’ talents truly came to the fore at the World U18 Championships and later at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, where he played a pivotal role in securing a historic bronze medal for Latvia, solidifying his status as a rising star in the hockey world.
As Silovs’ on-ice performances captivate audiences, his off-ice presence in the realm of hockey card collecting is equally compelling. The Upper Deck Series 2 has put the spotlight on Silovs, with his rookie cards, especially the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns, becoming highly coveted among collectors. A recent auction saw one of his most notable cards, the Young Guns Red Outburst variant, sell for an impressive $263, a testament to his growing popularity. Additionally, his inclusion in other Upper Deck releases and the non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments have only served to enhance his allure, particularly in the European market.
Looking towards the future, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a crossroads with Silovs. Will he continue as a backup to Demko, or could he potentially become a valuable trade asset for the team? One thing is certain – Silovs’ unexpected ascent has not only cemented his place as a crucial player for the Canucks but has also elevated him to a sought-after figure in the competitive world of hockey card collecting. With his star on the rise, the hockey world eagerly awaits what the future holds for the remarkable Arturs Silovs.
