Sandis Ozolinsh
"The new Coffey"

Position: D
Height: 6-3
Weight: 205
Birthdate: 08/03/1972
Birthplace: Riga, U.S.S.R.
Currently Resides: Superior, Colorado
Nick-Names: Ozo
Other: Sandis was traded to the Avalanche from San Jose for Winger Owen Nolan at the beginning of the '95-'96 season. He is refered to kindly as the teams offensive-defensman or "Offensman". He is first in goals for a defenseman now, just passing the Ranger's Brian Leetch. In his native Latvia, Sandis is a national hero. He has also published an autobiography there. Sandis is married to Sandra and the couple has two sons, Robert and infant Christopher.

TRANSACTION/CAREER NOTES
Selected by San Jose Sharks in second round (third Sharks pick, 30th overall) of NHL entry draft (June 22, 1991). ... Strained back (November 7, 1992); missed one game. ... Tore knee ligaments (December 30, 1992) and underwent surgery to repair anterior cruciate ligament; missed remainder of season. ... Injured knee (December 11, 1993); missed one game. ... Traded by Sharks to Colorado Avalanche for RW Owen Nolan (October 26, 1995). ... Separated left shoulder (December 7, 1995); missed four games. ... Broke finger (February 23, 1996); missed two games. ... Suffered back spasms (March 9, 1997); missed two games.

CAREER HONORS: Played in NHL All-Star Game (1994 and 1997). ... Named to NHL All-Star first team (1996-97).

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES: Member of Stanley Cup championship team (1996).