Swindon Wildcats have handed contracts to three hot prospects from the Okanagan Hockey UK Academy (OHA) for the 2016/17 season.

‘D’ man Ollie Stone (above) and utility player Kyle Smith will have the opportunity to push for regular ice time with the Wildcats this coming EPL campaign, while blueliner Ben Nethersell has agreed a two-way deal with NIHL1 South side Oxford City Stars.

Player/Coach Aaron Nell said: “Ollie is an outstanding young British ‘D’ man that we are very happy to have on board.

“He has a great work ethic, a great attitude and is very reliable with great potential. I believe he will become a massive part of our hockey club.

“Kyle is an excellent young British player that we are delighted to have in Swindon. He can play both forward and ‘D’, skates extremely well and is very strong and aggressive.

“Kyle has had a great end to the year and will be pushing our other forwards for more ice time.

“Ben is another outstanding young British ‘D’ man who will be on a two-way contract with Oxford in the NIHL.

“He is a smart player who moves the puck very well and is very good on the powerplay. Ben will get valuable playing time in Oxford and it will be great for his progression.

“We are very lucky to have these three on board with us. They’ve all had great coaching in the OHA programme from Ryan Aldridge and Peter Russell and they’re now ready to take that next step into men’s hockey.”