Guildford Flames have confirmed their first Elite League signing with the addition of Ben Davies to their roster.

The 26-year-old forward played for Coventry Blaze last year after a brief spell with East Coast Hockey League franchise Norfolk Admirals.

He has also iced in the top flight for Cardiff Devils and Braehead Clan in addition to representing Great Britain.

Flames’ boss Paul Dixon said: “Ben is an experienced Elite league player and for that reason alone he is a good addition as we try to find our footing in our first season at that level.”

“He skates well, can kill penalties, and he can fit into a variety of situations to help us build depth up the middle of the ice.

“In the EPL, our roster building outlook was on a team we could put together to win the title by making some relatively minor adjustments based on our existing group. It was focused on how the team might end the season.

“Our existing group is going to be limited to a very small handful of players. The change means we must focus instead more realistically on how we are going to start the season.

“Building a nearly whole new team while moving into a faster, and more competitive, league means the long term outcomes are replaced by the more immediate process of getting players who we’re confident can be competitive while we’re still trying to show ourselves as a worthy addition to the country’s top division.

“Ben’s résumé proves he fits that perspective, and we are really looking forward to his role in our inaugural Elite League season.”

(Image permission: Scott Wiggins)