Guildford Flames believe they have a player who will fit into their team after they confirmed the signing of defenceman Alex Yuill.
The 25-year-old has spent the last five seasons at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology where he played 140 times, scored 12 goals and picked up 57 assists.
And coach Paul Dixon reckons he’s a player who will fit straight into his plans with his style of play as he explained on the Flames website:
“The report we got about Alex was glowing in terms of his ability to deal with the puck in his own end, which is a crucial part of the game,” Dixon said.
“In the past few seasons we have been very mobile and good at puck management to help us leave our own zone so continuing to fill holes with players who have those skills is a key part of building a team that doesn’t spend an inordinate amount of time defending constant pressure.
“We think Alex will be a great fit with the kind of team we want to put on the ice, and it is great news to get his commitment to us for the new season.”
Cardiff Devils announced the latest player to return for them as defenceman Sam Jardine committed to a second year at the club.
Sam Jardine is back for a second year with Cardiff (PHOTO: James Assinder)
The 26-year-old joined the club from ECHL side Newfoundland Growlers who won the Kelly Cup prior to his departure for the UK and the D-man put 20 points in his 63 appearances last season.
Belfast Giants fans were dealt a blow as popular forward Jordan Smotherman moved on, joining ECHL side Worcester Railers after his year as a half on Northern Ireland.
He made 86 appearances for Adam Keefe’s men after signing in February 2019, where he ended the season with a Challenge Cup and Elite League title to his name.
Also leaving the Elite League is Kieran Brown, who left Sheffield Steelers last week and was confirmed as the latest signing for Sam Zajac’s Leeds Chiefs side in the NIHL National League.
The 19-year-old, who was part of the Steelers’ Challenge Cup winning team and Zajac was excited to have him on board, speaking of his potential.
He told the Chiefs website: “Offensively, Kieran is pretty much the full package,” said Sam. “He’s probably one of, if not the best, player for his age in the country and is someone with massive potential.
“He’s coming in here with the bit between his teeth and looking to have a big year, and we’re confident that we can give him an environment in which he’s really going to thrive.”
Robin Kovar joined Lightning from Bracknell Bees and impressed enough to be kept on (PHOTO: Tony Sargent)
AROUND THE RINKS
NIHL NATIONAL LEAGUE
- Basingstoke Bison announced a raft of departures from the club with seven players all moving on to pastures new as player-coach Ashley Tait prepares for the new season.
- Canadian forward Alex Roberts was confirmed as joining Basingstoke Bison for the new season
- Forward Tommy Huggett’s good year with Raiders 2 in NIHL 1 South has been rewarded with a move to Raiders in the National League
- Defenceman Ben Nethersall has signed on for another two years with Swindon Wildcats
- Czech forward Robin Kovar sealed his return to Milton Keynes Lightning after impressing at the back end of last season.
NIHL 1 SOUTH
- Netminder Mark Duffy won’t be returning for Oxford City Stars for the new season, but signed on the dotted line for Solent Devils a few days later.
- Darragh Wren has re-signed with Milton Keynes Thunder
- Forward Matt Turner has committed to Chelmsford Chieftains for another campaign
- Luke Thirkettle is back to lead the offensive charge for Invicta Dynamos
SNL
- Jack Wright has re-signed with Murrayfield Racers for the new season
- David Jackson is back for Kirkcaldy Kestrels as netminder where he will also be a goalie coach, while youngster Ben Keddie joins the Kestrels after signing from Fife Flames (U16s) and Fife Falcons (U20s)
