Hull Pirates have announced the signing of forward Matty Davies for the 2017/18 NIHL1 North season.
The 27-year-old returns to Hull having spent the last two seasons with the Elite League’s Manchester Storm and Telford Tigers in the EPL.
Davies said: “I’m unbelievably happy to be back at my hometown club – I never wanted to leave but the situation was kind of thrust upon me with the demise of the Stingrays.
“Although I got to stay in the Elite league I just wanted to be back in Hull. It always feels like there’s a little something missing when I play for another club.
“In Hull I feel like I have an extra something that’s difficult to explain. Call it pride, call it heart, but I’m never happier than when I get to play in front of the fans in Hull.”
Pirates’ boss Jason Hewitt added: “I think everybody in Hull will be as excited about this signing as I am.
“Our team just got even better – Matty is a proven point producer at every level and will do a lot of damage this year for us.
“Adding him to our roster makes us so dangerous, not only 5 on 5, but especially our powerplay – he has an ability to find a pass that no one else would even think about.”
“As well as that he’ll be someone I’ll lean on for advice in situations and look to him to be a leader for us.
“He has a lot of experience at top flight as well as national team experience and that is huge for some of our younger guys to learn from.”
Elsewhere in D1, Telford have confirmed Adam Taylor and Corey Goodison have both agreed another year with the club.
Forward Richard Bentham is back for a further season with Blackburn Hawks, while Marc Lovell returns for another year with Deeside Dragons.
Billingham Stars have added six more players to their roster, including returnees James Moss and Michael Bowman and new signing Callum Pattison.
Sheffield Steeldogs have secured the services of James Spurr and Jamie Scott.
Solihull Barons have boosted their defensive options with returnees Dave Rogers and James Moeller joined by new signings Danny Harrison and Marcus Maynard.
In D2, Telford Tigers 2 have added forward Karol Jets and defender Simon Harrison to their squad.
Ex-Blackburn Eagles forward Tomas Mitrik has signed for Altrincham Aces. Defender Andy Dunn has also agreed another year with the club.
Bez Hughes is back for his second season with Widnes Wild.
(Image permission: Steve Brodie)
