Latvian defender who helped anchor the back line of the Colorado Avalanche in the 1990s; won a Stanley Cup Championship with the team in 1996.
He began his professional career in the Soviet League with Dynamo Riga in 1990; a year later, he was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 1991 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
He set a number of franchise records during his time with the Avalanche, including most single season goals (23) and points (68) by a defenseman as well as most all-time playoff goals (18) and points (67) by a defenseman.
He had two sons, Roberts and Christopher, with his former wife Sandra, whom he divorced in 2010.
He was a longtime teammate of team captain and leader Joe Sakic on the Avalanche.
