NIHL teams across the UK have been putting the finishing touches to their rosters ahead of next weekend’s opening round of games.
Reigning D1N champions Blackburn Hawks have boosted their ranks with the signing of forward RJay Berra.
The Canadian moves to Lancashire after spending the last two seasons playing for Marian University in NCAA III. Hawks have also signed ex-Deeside Dragons forward Ben Simister.
Sheffield Spartans have added Czech import Martin Finkes to their defensive unit. Finkes previously played in Czech3 for LHK Jestřábi Prostějov and HC Valasske Mezirici.
Sutton Sting have confirmed five more returnees from last season with Richie Oliver, James Spurr, Shaun Ashton, Mark Turner and Zach Brown all signing for another year.
Stevie Adams (above) has agreed a further season with Solway Sharks, while netminder Kieran Hobbins has signed to give cover between the pipes. Sharks have also added Jamie Scott and Adam Robinson on a two-way deal with Belfast Junior Giants.
D2N title hopefuls Deeside Dragons have signed Owen Bennett from the EPL’s Telford Tigers. Altrincham Aces have added Mason Howard and Tom Gilbert to their roster, Jay McFadyen has agreed a sixth season with Coventry Blaze and defenseman Elliot Cox has signed for Nottingham Lions.
Last year’s D1S runners-up Invicta Dynamos have signed Latvian forward Eriks Ozollapa from Norwegian club Tønsberg Vikings. Former Dynamos junior Jarvis Mewett returns to Kent after spending the last three seasons with Lee Valley Lions.
Alex Whyte, Tom Mboya and Martyn Snape have agreed another season with MK Thunder, while young forward Ryan Coffey has also been added to the squad. Cardiff NIHL Devils have signed Jordan Jefferies and Owen Bradshaw.
In D2S, Slough Jets have confirmed a quartet of returnees with Jamie Milton, Simon Johnston, Josh Milton and Toby Curtis-Wyld all agreeing another season. Elis Sheppard has left Slough to join Cardiff Fire. Chris Deacon and Andrew Davies have also signed for the Welsh team.
Experienced defenseman Yousif Abu Saada has signed for Bristol Pitbulls after a year away from the game. Swindon NIHL Wildcats have added netminder Graeme Bird to their roster.
(Image permission: David Morrison)
