First professional contract for Cjunskis

The Hockey Club Lugano is pleased to announce the signing of a two-year contract (2024/2026) with Roberts Cjunskis, a "left" forward (184 cm x 88 kg) with a Latvian passport and Swiss hockey license.

Born on 13.04.2003 in Marupe, not far from the capital Riga, Cjunskis left his homeland at the age of thirteen to pursue a dream, inspired by the story of his fellow countryman Elvis Merzlikins and the example of his parents, elite athletes in handball.

Having arrived in Lugano in 2016, Cjunskis has managed to integrate with determination and sacrifice, supported by several foster families in the new linguistic and life context, both at school, where he graduated from high school in 2022, and in sports.

In the HCL Youth Section, Roberts has played 34 games in the Mini Top category, 97 games in the U17 Elite category, and 143 games (111 points) in the U20 Elite category. Now, after 14 appearances in the first team, he has a new starting point with the signing of his first professional player contract.

Cjunskis has participated in a U18 World Championship and a U20 World Championship with Latvia, playing two matches with the senior national team this season.

Here are the words of HCL General Manager Hnat Domenichelli:

"We are proud to have signed Roberts to his first professional player contract. He earned it with his commitment and hard work. From May onwards, he will be able to fully dedicate himself to ice hockey."