Hull Pirates have confirmed the signing of defenseman Lee Haywood from Sheffield Steeldogs.

The 28-year-old boasts a wealth of experience in the EPL having played for the Steeldogs since 2010 and the Sheffield Scimitars prior to that.

Haywood said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m a bit nervous having played in Sheffield since I was nine so it’s a big change for me but I’m excited to be making the move.

“I want to contribute to the team and help to reach play-offs – this was something Hull didn’t achieve last season so that is definitely the very minimum. We’ll go into each game wanting to win.”

Pirates’ Player/Coach Dominic Osman added “It’s definitely an area of the team we looked at strengthening from last season.

“To be able to bring in a guy with his experience is great for a hockey team and for us to move forward.

“It’s never an easy thing to leave a team you’ve played for your whole career, but we sat down and explained the direction we wanted to go in and he’s going to play a pivotal part in that.

“He’s a very consistent player and that’s what we are going to be looking for from him night in, night out.

“He’s a player who is going to bring a spark to our defence.

“We needed a little bit more size coming in next year, it’s not only that but he plays with an edge. He’s a guy who is not afraid to throw the body around and he is a big presence.

“Playing against him last year, he was a guy who you hated playing against but one you would love to have on your team and to be able to bring him on board is something special for our club.”