As a Chicago Steel fan of the USHL I just got done watching this 5 game series that Chicago won. A couple points.
Major Junior banned European goalies a few years back and most who would have gone the Major Junior route since then have gone to the USHL instead. No doubt Major Junior is a step above the USHL, but that gap is closing (the USHL has had more players drafted the last few years than the QMJHL) due to The Indentured Servitude Clause but IMO the USHL has had better goaltending since Major Junior's ban on Euro goalies.
Point is Kivlenieks beat out a lot of excellent goalies to be named GOY.
Stezka who beat him in the Finals is also 20 and is a 2015 4th round pick of the Minnesota Wild.
Kivlenieks worked his way from Latvia to Tier III, to Tier II to Tier I junior hockey. Speaks to his work ethic.
http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=190622
Kid is very smooth in his movements, no slop to his game. His game and demeanor are very much like Holtby's, same style.
Can't lose signing this kid IMO. No way of knowing if he'll pan out but his size, path, style and work ethic show he's a solid prospect.
