Cukste is a very solid player, standing at 6’2” and already 203lbs. The large defenseman also has a bit of a scoring touch, often scoring at a point-per-game rate while playing internationally for Latvia.
1. Cukste is only the third Latvian player the Sharks have drafted in their history. The first was Sandis Ozolinsh, drafted in the franchise’s inaugural draft in 1991 at 30th overall. The other drafted Latvian was Victor Ignatjev, in the 11th round of 1992.
2. He plays for HK Riga, the Russian Junior Hockey League affiliate of the KHL’s Dinamo Riga.