The hockey world has been abuzz with the unexpected rise of Arturs Silovs in the Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns collection. Originally not much more than a hint on the Vancouver Canucks’ goaltending roster, Silovs suddenly found himself front and center due to injuries, proving his mettle in the intense environment of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Silovs had to make an unexpected leap from the AHL to the NHL when injuries sidelined star goalies Thatcher Demko and Casey deSmith, thrusting him into the limelight. The pressure was on as he faced off against the Nashville Predators, but Silovs stepped up in a big way, surprising many with his incredible saves, some games even surpassing the performances of his more seasoned teammates.
During his time on the ice, Silovs managed to showcase his raw talent and fearless determination, culminating in a remarkable performance where he made an astounding 42 saves in a single game. This feat put him in the company of only two other Canucks goalies who had achieved similar results in away playoff games. Despite the Canucks eventually bowing out to the Oilers in Game 6, Silovs emerged from the series with his reputation not only intact but significantly enhanced.
Before his sudden ascent to NHL stardom, Silovs had already been making waves in the hockey world through his standout performances in junior hockey with the Barrie Colts and on the international stage with HS Riga in Latvia. Despite flying under the radar of many scouting reports, Vancouver recognized his potential and selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. His exceptional play at various championships, including the World U18 Championships and the 2023 IIHF World Championships where he helped Latvia clinch a historic bronze medal, solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.
Silovs’s growing popularity isn’t limited to the ice rink. The hockey card collecting community has taken notice of his talent, with his rookie cards, particularly the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns, increasing in both value and demand among collectors. Notably, a Young Guns Red Outburst variant card featuring Silovs recently fetched an impressive $263, indicating the high regard in which he is held by enthusiasts. His inclusion in other Upper Deck releases and non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments have further broadened his appeal, especially in Europe where he enjoys a strong following.
As Silovs looks to the future, the Canucks must consider his role within the team, whether as a reliable backup for Demko or a potential trade asset. Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is clear – Arturs Silovs has transformed from an unassuming prospect to a pivotal player for Vancouver and a sought-after figure in the competitive world of hockey card collecting.
