THE Basingstoke Bison have added another exciting young forward to their line-up with the signing of Ralfs Circenis from National Ice Hockey League outfit the Solent Devils.

The 17-year-old was born in Latvia but grew up in Britain and played his junior ice hockey in this country.

As a result, he qualifies as a British forward in the English Premier League.

Circenis started his career in south Hampshire and had a brief spell with the under-16 Bison four years ago before he joined the Guildford junior set-up.

In season 2012-13 he scored 65 points from 20 games for the Surrey side’s under-16 team, the Firestars, and a year later he moved up to play for the Phoenix, Guildford’s under-18 squad.

He finished second in the team’s scoring as he netted 21 times in 16 games and also made his debut for Solent, scoring twice in four games.

Last year he once again scored a goal a game for the Phoenix, but he played most of the season for the Devils in the division below the English Premier League.

The teenager scored 16 goals and collected 27 points from 28 games.

He helped the unfancied side to a creditable seventh spot in the National Ice Hockey South One.

Bison head coach Doug Sheppard is excited to be coaching this young prospect and said: “I have been impressed with the numbers Ralfs has put up so far in his career and I have heard only good things about him from other coaches.

“He will be another energetic guy in our line-up and a raw talent.

“He is certainly one for the future and I look forward to being a part of his development.”