Lightning add 2016 NBLC champion Joel Friesen

Photo Credit: The Chronicle Herald

As a player, I feel like I can contribute in different ways and therefore contribute to the overall success of the team

The London Lightning have added Canadian Joel Friesen to their training camp roster.

Friesen, a six-foot-four guard from Abbotsford, B.C., is coming to the Lightning after being a member of last season’s National Basketball League of Canada champions, the Halifax Hurricanes.

Prior to joining the Hurricanes, Friesen had signed with the then-expansion franchise, the Niagara River Lions. He was later cut by the team at the end of their training camp. He then signed with Halifax within 24 hours afterwards.

The 26-year-old averaged 8.5 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game and 1.3 assists per game during the 2015-16 season with the Atlantic Division team.

Those stats were enough for him to be named to the National Basketball League of Canada All-Rookie and All-Canada Teams.

“Joel is an impact player on both sides of the ball,” said head coach Kyle Julius in a team-issued statement. “He’s the type of player that becomes the focal point of your opponent’s scouting report and the type of player that makes you better as a group and as a team, day in and day out.”

Friesen played collegiately at his hometown school, the University of the Fraser Valley, from 2009-2012, as well as for the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 2013-2015. During those years, he was named to the Canada West team a combined three times. He also won a bronze medal with Golden Bears in 2014.

Hurricanes head coach Kevin Keathley responded to the signing on Twitter, saying the two parties “could not come to terms” with each other:

A screen-captured image of Halifax Hurricanes head coach Kevin Keathley's statement through Twitter about Joel Friesen signing with the London Lightning.

In a written statement, Friesen explained he feels confident is his ability to play for the Lightning.

“This organization feels like a great fit for me,” said Friesen. “As a player, I feel like I can contribute in different ways and therefore contribute to the overall success of the team.”

Friesen also said he felt comfortable with Julius in their negotiations together.

“I’ve really enjoyed the individuals we’ve been doing and the conversations we’ve been having,” he said. “When I spoke with him last week, it became clear there was really no better option for me. I still have a lot of things to improve on and Coach Julius is the person who helps you get better.”

The Lightning will start their regular season Dec. 26 when they face the Niagara River Lions.