Wolves Goaltender will Join Spartans in Fall
Laconia, NH – Lukas Bukatovs, a goaltender for the New England Wolves (NEW), has committed to Castleton University for the 2025-2026 season.
The 04’ out of Jelgava, Latvia has made a splash in his first season in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). A top-ten goaltender in wins (14), save percentage (.925), and goals against average (2.46), he has backstopped New England to 14 wins this season. One of his recent wins was perhaps his most impressive, a 38-save shutout in an overtime win against the Express.
“We’re very happy for Lukas making his commitment to Casleton,” said Wolves head coach Tim Kunes. “From the first day he arrived with us, Lukas has not only been a great goaltender for us but a tremendous teammate who shows up everyday with a great attitude and work ethic. Lukas came to play for us in the EHL with a goal of playing at the NCAA level and we’re really pleased that he has been able to accomplish what he set out to do.”
Bukatovs is the second EHL commitment to the Spartans this season, joining Ethan Audy (NHA) who will join the Spartans in 2026. Castleton competes in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC), under head coach Kyle Richards, and currently features nine EHL alumni on the roster.
“Thanks to the New England Wolves and their coaches for the opportunity to play in America and trusting in me,” Bukatovs said. “Thanks to my family for supporting me with everything I need in life and in hockey. The EHL gave me the exposure to college hockey in my first year in North America and I’ve been very impressed with the level of competition. I also want to say thank you to my goalie coaches in Latvia, especially Imants Legsda.”
To view the full 2024-25 NCAA commitment list, click here.
