Netminder Dmitri Zimozdra has agreed another season with Sutton Sting.
Since joining the club in 2012 Zimozdra has established himself as one of the top stoppers in NIHL1 North, leading to rumours he was on the verge of a return to the EPL.
Sting co-owner Ian Johnson said he was delighted Zimozdra was back between the pipes next year.
“It was a massive and welcoming surprise that we’ve managed to keep Dima with us for another season,” said Johnson. “He’s put up some amazing performances which didn’t go unnoticed by other teams, and being included in the Pro Hockey News NIHL All-Stars team was testament to his skill and work ethic.”
Player/Coach Jon Ross added: “Getting it right at the back is every coach’s priority, and although last year we didn’t make the play-offs or take any silverware, Dima was a star in the net for us – he made it difficult for our opponents every time he iced.”
Newly-promoted Solihull Barons have confirmed twelve of last year’s D2 title-winning squad are back for another season at Hobs Moat Road, including Niklas Ottosson, Tom Soar, Rob Eley, Sam Hewitt and Josh Nicholls.
Telford Tigers NIHL have boosted their ranks by signing Dale White, Corey Goodison and Phillip Mulcachy from Coventry Blaze and Simon & Dan Harrison from the Barons. Callum Griffin and James Callagher also return for a further year.
Andy Finn, Cal Davies, Michael Elder, James Moss and Paul Windridge are all back for another season with Billingham Stars, whilst Solway Sharks have confirmed Marc Fowley, Duncan Speirs, Stuart Andrews, Iain Bowie and Aidan Fulton have agreed a further year in Dumfries.
Ex-Manchester Minotaurs duo Max Drakeley and Andy Dunn have joined Blackburn Hawks. Netminder Stuart Ashton and forward Matt Viney have also signed for another season.
D2N title favourites Deeside Dragons have confirmed Bryn Roberts, Steve Fellows, Simon Furnival, Mike Jones and Andy Chappell all return for another campaign.
Blackburn Eagles have snapped up Sam Dunford from Widnes Wild. Ex-Hawks defensemen Wayne & Carl Slater have also joined the club, along with returnees Nick Saxton and Dave Williams.
Tom Jackson, Chris Preston, Lee Kemp and Tom McDonald have been added to the Widnes roster. Luke Thomas and Tom Hovell have agreed a further year with Nottingham Lions. Altrincham Aces have added another seven players to their squad including Rhys Gillatt, John Murray and Joe Greaves.
Last year’s NIHL1S runners-up Invicta Dynamos have signed Conor Redmond from D2 outfit Slough Jets. Brad Gutridge and Jack Lee also return for another season.
London Raiders have signed Slovakian forward Marek Nahlik from HKm Humenne. David Jackson, Robbie Vears and Mark Robinson have also been added to the roster.
Shane Moore has joined Oxford City Stars from the EPL’s Swindon Wildcats. Nick, Joe & Josh Oliver, Joe Edwards and Dax Hedges are all back for a further year. Mitchell Murray has agreed a second season with Solent Devils.
In D2S, Haringey Racers have signed Josh Ealey-Newman on a two-way deal with Oxford. Matt Brown, Ross Sin-Hidge and Perry Whitlock also return for another year. Stas Prokofiev is back for a further season with Slough Jets.
Bristol Pitbulls have re-signed captain Tom Asprey and Dan Pettitt, whilst Wightlink Tigers Player/Coach Blair Dubyk, Nathan Webb and Adam Rich all return for another year.
