Hull Pirates have confirmed forward Lee Bonner will return to the club for the 2016/17 season.

Bonner becomes the Pirates’ third signing for next season, joining Nathan Salem and defenceman Jamie Chilcott in signing for the new campaign.

The GB U20 international has enjoyed a solid first year in the EPL, scoring 10 goals with 13 assists in 45 games.

Bonner said: “It’s been a good first season. We’ve had a few rough patches but we’ve never given up. People know it’s been our first year and we’ve always battled.

“I feel like I’ve had an alright season – I set myself a target of 20 points and I’ve achieved that.

“Hull is my hometown and it’s always a pleasure to play in front of your family, friends and the fans. It makes it very special. Dom (Osman) and Shane (Smith) have all summer to recruit for a stronger team for next year. We’ll be a definite top six team.”

Player/Coach Osman added: “I think Lee’s done a fantastic job. Obviously as a younger guy we asked him to play big minutes and he has played very well offensively for us.

“He still has a lot of work to do, things like defensive zone coverage, but he’s been doing really well and has been learning and doing all the things that I’ve been asking him to do.

“The good thing about it is that a lot of these younger guys have had a lot of pressure put on them this year and next year he might not have that amount of pressure on him, he’s going to be able to concentrate on his game and concentrate on doing the little things right.

“He’s an exciting player to watch, he skates very well, can shoot the puck and has good vision. The thing I like the most about him is that when he gets going he’s like a little cannonball. He uses his body and goes through guys and that’s something that we will work with.

“I’m really excited to have him back and I’m really excited to see what he can do and prove next year.”

(Image permission: Arthur Foster)