Darels Uljanskis

July 2025 – Surprisingly, Uljanskis is heading to North America, joining the Flint Firebirds for the upcoming season, and then heading to Connecticut for the NCAA in 2026–27. Always a long-term project, this is an ideal development path for Uljanskis. –Markus R

June 2025 – Uljanskis has made clear strides this season. At his core, he is an offensive-minded defenseman who excels with the puck on the power play, where he has the time and space to create. He finished second in points among J20 defensemen and earned a brief stint with the men’s team, likely a precursor to transitioning there full-time next season. In International play, Uljanskis contributed to Latvia’s memorable upset over Canada, showcasing growth in key defensive areas such as skating, positioning, and awareness. Drafted as a raw talent in need of development, this season marks a significant step forward. While he still has a long road ahead before reaching the NHL, the next step will be establishing himself in North America. If he progresses there, his chances of making the NHL will improve. He is a prospect worth keeping an eye on over the next year; he will play for Sioux City in the USHL during the 2025-26 season and has committed to attending the University of Connecticut, starting in the 2026-27 season.  Markus R