Deeside Dragons have swooped to sign Shaun Kippin from Whitley Warriors. Dragons beat off fierce competition from a number of NIHL1 clubs to seal the deal and further boost their promotion hopes. Kippin (left) notched 39 points from 30 games last season and Dragons’ boss Ian Foster believes his new man will make a big impact. “We’re delighted to welcome Shaun to Deeside,” said Foster. “He’s another guy we were desperate to sign in our bid to build a squad we think can compete with the top NIHL teams.”

Blackburn Hawks have confirmed forwards Sami Narkia and Jordan Bannon won’t be returning for 2012/13. Coach Jared Owen said Narkia’s deal with the club was only for one year, while Bannon is unable to play a full season due to work committments. Following recent speculation about the future of team boss Jim Pennycook, the Hawks have scheduled a meeting next week with the Scot. The club claim Pennycook is fully committed to his role, while Owen said Blackburn Arena remain fully behind him and assistant Danny Brittle.

Netminder Josh Nicholls is believed to be on his way back to Coventry Blaze. Nicholls left Telford Tigers at the end of last season and is expected to return to the Sky Dome Arena. Blaze are also understood to be interested in signing defender Dale White from Solihull Barons. Adam Andrews was thought to have been on his way out of Solihull, with a number of teams interested in signing the big defenseman, but work issues mean a return to Hobs Moat Road could be on the cards.

Sheffield Spartans forward Shaun Wild has signed for Sheffield Steeldogs. Wild hit 14 goals & 17 assists last year and is the latest product of the Sheffield Junior Academy to make the step up to the EPL. Spartans’ netminder Andy Bagshaw has agreed to return for a fifth season with the club.