MK Thunder have secured the services of forward Gareth O’Flaherty ahead of the upcoming NIHL1 South season.
O’Flaherty has played over 150 games in the EPL with Manchester Phoenix, Hull Pirates and Telford Tigers.
Thunder boss Lewis Clifford said: “I’m really happy to have got ‘Flatsy’ to sign for us this year – I’ve known him a long time and I know exactly what he will bring to the team and for me it’s all positives.
“This year to play for this team I want players to possess at least two of the following qualities – leadership, high compete levels and speed.
“‘Flatsy’ possesses all three and will be a huge player for us. He will enjoy a position on the team higher in the line-up than he’s probably been used to for the last few years and I believe he will really come into his own with the extra ice time and responsibility.”
O’Flaherty added: “I’m really excited to be joining the Thunder and playing for ‘Cliff’ this season. After speaking to him and hearing about his plans and the team he’s putting together, it was an easy decision to make.
“‘Cliff’ already signed some high calibre players and I’m looking forward to playing with them in what will be a fast, skilled team with a lot of energy.”
London Raiders have added two more forwards to their roster, with Thomas Beesley agreeing a second season with the club and Jake Sylvester joining from Chelmsford.
Former Hull Pirates defender Tommy Ralph has signed for a second year with Invicta Dynamos.
Ryan Webb and James Warman are back for another campaign with Streatham IHC and Grant Rounding has signed for his fourth season with Basingstoke Bison.
Owen Griffiths and Will Weldon return for another year with Peterborough Phantoms, while Sam Smith has agreed another season with Cardiff Fire.
In D2S, Ben Clements has been appointed as Chelmsford Chieftains’ new head coach. He replaces Kenny Redmond who has taken over at Oxford City Stars.
Clements has confirmed Ross Brears and Will Polston as the first two additions to the Chieftains’ roster.
Jason Ikin has agreed another year with the Stars, while Haringey Huskies have announced the signings of forwards Ben Osbourne and Sam Park along with defender Mark Voslinsky.
Bracknell Hornets have added Will Stead and Tony Barclay to their squad.
(Image permission: Steve Brodie)
