Edinburgh Capitals have signed Canadian forward RJay Berra from the NIHL’s Blackburn Hawks.

Berra has enjoyed an excellent first season in the British game, scoring 30 goals with 41 assists in 27 games.

Capitals’ owner Scott Neil said: “RJay had a solid junior career – after that his junior and senior year college numbers were good.

This year he’s done well at Blackburn – his numbers are particularly good for a rookie pro. We are offering him the opportunity to step up a league or two, and to make our roster next season.

“The team has suffered badly through injury this season and with four season ending injuries to Jordan Steel, Jacob Johnston, Brandon Coccimiglio and Riley Emmerson, it was felt we needed to add an extra player to help support the workload on the rest of the squad.

Berra said he was excited to offered the opportunity to joining the Capitals, but sad to leave the Hawks before the end of the season.

“It was a difficult to decision for me to leave the Hawks, but signing with Edinburgh in the Elite League was too good of an opportunity for me to advance my hockey career and development.

“I want to thank all of the supporters in Blackburn – they are some of the most passionate fans I have ever met in all the places I’ve played. They treated me extremely well and I am forever grateful.”

(Image permission: Steve Pollitt)