Sutton Sting have confirmed the signing of EPL forward James Spurr. The ex-Peterborough Phantoms & Manchester Phoenix player has played over 200 games at the higher level and Sting will hope his experience will prove invaluable in their first season in NIHL1.

Coach Ian Johnson has also secured the services of former Nottingham Lions netminder Alan Levers and defenseman Scott Glover from Blackburn Hawks. Levers will face competition for the starting role from goalie Alex Birch, who returns for a second season and former Billingham junior Mark Dodd.

Sheffield Spartans have promoted three more promising youngsters from their junior set-up with Luke Smith, Tom Proctor and Alex Harding all joining Coach Chris Wilcox’s roster. Experienced Coventry Blaze forward Gareth Owen and defenders Ashton Jenion & Jay McFadyen have all agreed another year with the Midlands outfit. Billingham Stars have confirmed a one-off challenge game against the EPL’s Sheffield Steeldogs on September 1st.