Oil Kings Select Janis Svanenbergs in 2020 CHL Import Draft

June 30, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release

(EDMONTON, AB) - The Edmonton Oil Kings select forward Janis Svanenbergs in the first round, 58th overall, during the 29th annual CHL Import Draft held earlier today.

Svanenbergs is a 6'3", 190-pound forward who played with HC Riga Jr. in Latvia last season, posting 40 points (25G, 15A) in 54 games, along with 70 penalty minutes and a -1 plus-minus rating. He also appeared in 12 games with the KHL's Dinamo Riga, posting one assist in 12 games.

A native of Riga, Latvia, the 18-year old played for his country at the 2020 World Junior Championship D1A, collecting eight points (3G, 5A), six penalty minutes and a +7 plus-minus rating in five games, helping the team finish second overall. He also played for Latvia's National Under-18 Team at the 2019 World Under-18 Hockey Championship.

"We are very excited to select Janis today," said Kirt Hill, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oil Kings. "He brings size and great experience to our lineup, having played in both the KHL and Russia's top junior league this past season. Janis is a righthanded shot forward who can play both center and the wing. A great skater, he has a very good shot and strong puck skills. We are confident that he can step into our lineup and help our team immediately."

The two-round CHL Import Draft took place online with the order of selection rotating through each of the CHL's three leagues using an inverse order of final regular season standings within each league from the 2019-20 season.

Each team in the CHL is permitted to dress and play a maximum of two import players each season who are selected annually through the CHL Import Draft process.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2020

• Jiri Patera Signs 3-Year, Entry-Level Contract with Vegas Golden Knights - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Broncos Add Forward and Defenceman in CHL Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• T-Birds Select Samuel Knazko in First Round of CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
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• Hitmen Select Two Players in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
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• Oil Kings Select Janis Svanenbergs in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
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• Broncos Add Forward and Defenceman in CHL Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Blazers Select Defenseman Viktor Persson in CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers
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• Warriors Select Rysavy in 2020 CHL Import Draft - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Royals Select Marcus Almquist in CHL Import Draft - Victoria Royals
• Broncos Acquire Draft Pick from Victoria - Swift Current Broncos
• Pats Select Stanislav Svozil 15th Overall in 2020 Import Draft - Regina Pats
• Royals Make Trade with Broncos - Victoria Royals

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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