Hmm, his bio says he's from Riga, Latvia, but based on this highlight reel he could easily hail from Snipe City... 🎯 Here's what the #OilKings are getting with today's #CHLImportDraft selection, forward Janis Svanenbergs!
Nation Sites
The Nation Network
OilersNation has no direct affiliation to the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Entertainment Group, NHL, or NHLPA
Edmonton Oil Kings draft Janis Svanenbergs in CHL import draft

Photo credit: Twitter.com/EDMOilKings
By Zach Laing
Jun 30, 2020, 19:33 EDTUpdated: Jun 30, 2020, 19:38 EDT
The Edmonton Oil Kings drafted one player in the CHL import draft Tuesday selecting Latvian right-winger Janis Svanenbergs.
Svanenbergs, 18, is a 6’3, 190 lb. right-shot, right-winger that scored 25 goals and 40 points in 54 games in the MHL last year with HK Riga.
It included a 12 game stint with Dinamo Riga of the KHL.
“We are very excited to select Janis today,” said Oil Kings GM Kirt Hill.
“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 right-handed-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.”
And based on a highlight reel the Oil Kings shared on Twitter, he indeed does have a very, very good shot.
Svanenbergs was selected 58th overall and the Oil Kings passed on their second available pick in the import draft.
On Twitter: @zjlaing
Breaking News
- Meet the Sellers: From cup champs to potentially missing playoffs, Florida Panthers could be open for business
- A closer look at the Oilers’ newest defenceman, Connor Murphy, his PK work who he should play with
- ‘Do they look at doing something with Darnell Nurse?’: Marek says Oilers could be the team to watch at NHL trade deadline
- The Day After 62.0: Oilers overcome shaky start to beat Senators in overtime
- Oilers win despite another rough start, a goalie conversation, and Leon Draisaitl’s goal heater
