The Peterborough Phantoms are delighted to announce the signing of the 24 year old Latvian born, British trained forward, Ralfs Circenis!
Born in Riga, Latvia, Ralfs played most of his junior hockey in the south of England, representing Solent & Gosport, Basingstoke and Guildford, before taking a step into senior mens hockey with the Solent Devils in 2014/15.
The former Latvia U18 International also spent three years in Canada, where he iced for the Toronto Attack, Niagra Whalers, North York Renegades, Almaguin Spartans and Temiscaming Titans in a fruitful spell in the GMHL.
Circenis played 106 regular season games in Canada, scoring 58 times and assisting 76, for a total points tally of 134 points.
In 2019, he returned to Solent to play for the Devils once again and had another impressive scoring season, 29 goals and 30 assists saw him pick up 59 points in just 23 games. Last season, his time was split between the Devils and Lindefallets SK in the Swedish Second Division. In total last term, he played 25 games, scored 13 goals and assisted a further 10 for 23 points in 25 games.
And now, he’s signed on the dotted line in Peterborough, making the step up to the NIHL National League for the first time. He did play a few games for the Sheffield Steeldogs in their Streaming Series, but this will be his first taste of a regular NIHL National season.
“We had a decent second part of last season and showed we can compete with anyone else in the league. We showed we can have an entertaining brand of hockey and we want to continue that into the new season. Ralfs’ numbers have improved year on year in Solent, but they’ve always been high, so we’re confident he’ll add goals, assists and excitement for our fans. He’s only 24, so he’s at a prime age to come in with hunger to improve, help the team and make a name for himself at his level. I’m excited to start working with him!”said Slava Koulikov on his second new signing of the summer.
Ralfs said the following on his arrival in Peterborough: “I’m really happy to sign for the Phantoms. When Slava got in contact and explained the direction he wants to take his team and the style of hockey he wants from his players, it really excited me and suited the style of play I like to be a part of when playing for a team. Phantoms have always been a top team in the league and did really well last year in the playoff run. It was an easy decision to make when I committed to the Phantoms. I look forward to getting on the ice and contributing to hopefully a very successful season to come!”
Season tickets are still available for the upcoming 2022/23 season. Click HERE for more information on season tickets, or click below for your 2022/23 season ticket form!
Download 2022/23 Phantoms Season Ticket Form
For player sponsorship information, take a look at our 2022/23 sponsorship brochure by clicking the link below. For more information or to express your interest in sponsorship, please email sponsor@gophantoms.co.uk!
Download Phantoms Sponsorship Brochure 2022/23
Welcome to Phantoms, #34 Ralfs Circenis!