Hartmanis has played in the European Kontinental Hockey League

Newcastle Vipers have signed Latvian forward Toms Hartmanis from Dinamo Riga for the 2010/11 Elite League campaign.

Hartmanis, 22, becomes the 11th import of the off-season for coach Danny Stewart, who is impressed by the player's European pedigree.

"At 20 years he was with Dinamo Riga in the Kontinental Hockey League, which is arguably the second best in the world behind the NHL," Stewart said.

"Toms brings a lot of speed and skill to the team and will fit in well."

Stewart added: "I'm sure he will do well in the Elite League."

As well as spells with Dinamo and feeder side HK Riga, Hartmanis also lists Swedish sides Almtuna IS and Stocksunds IF among his former clubs, and is a Team Latvia international.

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