Peterborough Phantoms have confirmed Czech forward Petr Stepanek will be joining the club for the 2016/17 EPL season.

Stepanek has gained plenty of experience over the past few years in the second and third tier or hockey in his homeland and is currently icing for the Sydney Ice Dogs in Australia.

Head Coach Slava Koulikov said: “Petr is a big guy, who can skate well, is strong on the puck and has a good shot. All these qualities are important for this league.

“Last year he had a great scoring season and I hope he will continue, when he joins us in September.

“I’m very pleased we were able to get Petr to sign for the Phantoms. I think he will do very well in the EPL, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Stepanek added: “I wanted a change, and a new hockey experience away from Czech and a different culture.

“Ales Padelek has given me a great reference about the Phantoms players, coaches, management and owners, so they were my number one choice.

“I’m a big strong guy and with the great Phantoms defence and my scoring ability, I think we are a side opponents will not like to face.”