(Image Credit: Brooks Bandits)

By Jesse Gill

Sports

Brooks Bandits Cjunskis signs pro contract in Switzerland

Mar 16, 2026 | 1:53 PM

A Brooks Bandits defenceman has signed a pro contract in Europe for next season.

Harijs Cjunskis, 19, has signed a three-year deal with HC Lugano in Switzerland’s National League.

“We’re extremely happy for Harjis and his family on the opportunity to sign his first professional contract in Europe,” said Bandits director of hockey operations Wayne Labrie in a statement from the team.

“It has always been our organization’s goal to move players on and help advance their careers,” he added.

“I feel our coaching staff did a tremendous job in helping Harjis’ transition into professional hockey next season.”

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The Latvian defenceman has four goals and 12 assists in 36 games played this season with Brooks.

He played the 2024-25 season with the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

He has competed for Team Latvia at back-to-back World Junior Championships. 

HC Lugano’s general manager, Janick Steinmann, also spoke to the Bandits about Cjunskis.

“Harijs is an interesting prospect from our own youth department,” Steinmann said.

“He spent two years away for his development and is ready to come back to HC Lugano to compete for a spot,” he added.

“He is a big defenceman who skates well and has good potential. I am happy to have him back, and it will be interesting to see how he will make the next steps in his career with us.”

The Bandits, with a pair of wins over the weekend, have caught up to the Blackfalds Bulldogs for top spot in the BCHL’s Interior East Division.

Both teams are tied with 71 points on the season, with the Bandits having a game in hand on the Bulldogs.

Saturday, the Brooks Bandits defeated the Trail Smoke Eaters 1-0 in overtime.

Bandits goaltender Zach Zahara made 26 saves for the shutout, with the Smoke Eaters’ Cooper Michaluk stopping 36 of 37 shots.

Bandits forward Jack Good scored at the 6:41 mark in overtime.

On Friday, Bandits defeated the Oilers 5-1 in Okotoks.

Bandits forward Jack Rosensteel recorded his first hat trick of the season, and Good also posted a multi-point game.

Lincoln Molind got the win in net for the Bandits.

The Bandits have their last two regular-season games this upcoming weekend when they host the Okotoks Oilers on Friday and the Vernon Vipers on Saturday.

Both games are at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Regional Arena.