The 25-year-old forward has been practicing with the Lions for the most part of the off-season, but had been looking for another opportunity in North America. The Latvian had been part of the Vancouver Canucks' organisation for the past three years, but only played two of those overseas.
In 43 NHL games, he scored five goals and nine assists. However, over the course of the last two seasons, he played more for the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. In 81 games, he put up ten goals and 27 assists. His contract with the Lions will run through 2018. (mso)
