Belfast Giants have confirmed forward Alex Foster has joined the club for the 2016/17 Elite League season.

Foster will link up with former teammate Steve Saviano in Northern Ireland, with both icing for HC Bolzano of the Austrian Hockey League during last season.

The American, whose signing was made possible by the Giants’ partnership with the Ulster University Business School, will be playing his sixth season in Europe following spells with the Czech Republic’s Sparta Prague and three years in the DEL split between Adler Mannheim and Iserhohn Roosters.

Steve Thornton, Giants Head of Hockey Operations, said: “We wanted to be more fierce in terms of competitiveness and add speed and I think he does both of those for us.

“Not too long ago Alex was captain of the Toronto Marlies and put up 30/40 points in the DEL. He is an incredible character, is still in his prime and can play multiple positions.”

Foster added: “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the fans, the hockey and the city from former teammates of mine including Derrick Walser and Mitch Ganzak.

“After talking with Steve this was an offer I just could not turn away, especially with the offer of studying at university.

“Whatever needs to be done – I am willing to step up and do that. I fully plan to be looked on to win games, be on the powerplay as well as involved in any last minute situations.”