"Unwanted for the most part in the summer of '98, Jim Rutherford signed Irbe for a mere $550,000. The GM was rewarded with one of Irbe's best seasons ever, and a trip to the All-Star game. Proved he's not a playoff goalie by allowing several weak ones against Boston. One of the last goalies to wear a "bird cage" mask, Irbe has quick reflexes, but can be beaten by some bad goals. He's now the No. 1 man, with the departure of Kidd." (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 130)

"The two-time all-star has been impressive since arriving in Carolina two seasons ago. Although he was signed as a backup goalie, the 'Canes were so impressed with the quick and acrobatic Latvian that they dealt Trevor Kidd to the Panthers. Strong along the ice. Opponents usually aim high against the small goalie. Will let in an occasional soft one but has posted a winning record in each of his last four seasons. Can also get into trouble when handling the puck away from the net. Without a doubt the No. 1 man in Carolina, Irbe isn't fazed by a heavy workload - he played 75 games last season. That bodes well for rookie Jean-Marc Pelletier, who will have the time to properly develop." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 120)

"Archie" was once again sensational between the Carolina pipes in 2000-01. He finished the season tied for third in wins (37), recorded six shutouts and led all NHL netminders with 77 appearances. The 5-8 Irbe is remarkably durable for a goalie of his stature. The more he plays, it seems, the fresher he looks. In fact, the Latvian backstop may have saved his best hockey for the playoffs, where he stole two games for Carolina in their first-round defeat at the hands of the New Jersey Devils. Irbe will once again try to almost single-handedly lead the 'Canes into the playoffs. Sooner or later, however, the team will need to supply him with more rest." (The Sports Forecaster 2001-02, p. 122)

"It was a strange season for Irbe, filled with plenty of twists and turns. He began 2001-02 in a goaltending platoon with fellow veteran Tom Barrasso. During the Olympic break, he was denied permission to play in all of Latvia' qualifying contests, which raised his ire. While he played consistently down the stretch for the Hurricanes in leading them to the playoffs, he was replaced by newcomer Kevin Weekes midway through Round 1. When Irbe finally reentered the crease, however, he led Carolina to their first Stanley Cup final appearance. While Weekes is still very much in the picture, the 'Canes will continue to be Irbe's team." (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 120)

"A favorite with fans and teammates wherever he plats, Irbe was written off by the Hurricanes in 2003-04 and dispatched to the ECHL - where he starred for the Johnstown Chiefs. He later returned to the NHL to be showcased for a trade that never occurred. Irbe is one of the worst puck-handliong goalies ever. (The Sports Forecaster 2005-06, p. 101)

• Selected by Minnesota North Stars in tenth round (eleventh North Stars pick, 196th overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 17, 1989.
• Claimed (from North Stars) by San Jose Sharks in dispersal draft, May 30, 1991.
• Signed as free agent with Dallas Stars, July 22, 1996.
• Signed as free agent with Vancouver Canucks, August 5, 1997.
• Signed as free agent with Carolina Hurricanes, September 10, 1998.
• Placed on waivers by Hurricanes, February 8, 2003.
• Traded by Hurricanes to Columbus Blue Jackets for future considerations, June 16, 2004.
• Signed as free agent with Salzburg Red Bulls (Austria), December 5, 2005.

• Named Soviet League Rookie of the Year, 1987-88.
• Shared (with G Wade Flaherty) James Norris Memorial Trophy, 1991-92.
• Named to International Hockey League All-Star first team, 1991-92.
• Rated #31 in Hockey Stars Presents "The Top 50 Netminders in Pro Hockey", November 1993.
• Played in National Hockey League All-Star Game, 1994.
• Rated #11 in Hockey Stars Presents "The Top 50 Netminders in Pro Hockey", November 1994.
• Finished thirteenth in voting for Vezina Trophy, 1994-95.
• Rated #20 in Hockey Stars Presents "The Top 50 Netminders in Pro Hockey", November 1995.
• Played in National Hockey League All-Star Game, 1999.
• Named National Hockey League Player of the Week (3-1-0, 1.75 GAA, 93.3% sv), April 3, 2000.

• Set NHL record, minutes played, season (4412), 1993-94.
• On March 28, 2002, Arturs tied Mike Liut as the Carolina/Hartford franchise's all-time winningest goaltender. Irbe and the Hurricanes defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-1, for Irbe's 115th win for the Carolina franchise.

• Sprained knee; missed nineteen games, November 27, 1992.
• Injured foot; missed one game, February 15, 1995.
• Injured knee; missed fifty-seven games, January 17, 1996.
• Strained groin; missed six games, November 8, 1996.

• Arturs repaired his own equipment, often bringing his gear, needle, and thread with him on the airplane.
• Arturs would also leave his gloves on his team's bench between periods.
• After Buffalo starter Michal Neuvirth left his club's game against San Jose on November 18, 2014, Irbe dressed as an emergency backup to Jhonas Enroth for the remainder of the game (wearing #35).