Swindon Wildcats have announced British forward Toms Rutkis has agreed a new deal with the club.

The 19-year-old previously iced for Okanagan Hockey Academy, before establishing himself as a Wildcats player ahead of the 2015/2016 season.

Player/Coach Aaron Nell said: “Toms is a great young player that we are delighted to have with us again next season.

“He plays the game with great speed and he goes to the tough areas of the ice to score goals. He is still young and has lots to work on, but I know he is prepared to do that and take his game to the next level.

“I believe Toms can really help our secondary scoring and chip in with more goals and that is something we have never really had throughout our line-up.”

Rutkis, who joins returnees Nell, Sam Bullas, Tomasz Malasinski, Stevie Whitfield and Stevie Lyle on the Wildcats’ roster for next season, says he’s delighted to be back for another year.

“It’s a great club and I’ve enjoyed my time here – it’s going to be my third full season at the club and I’m looking to bring more to the team and have a bigger impact.

“I’m excited and looking forward to next season. I’m going to be bringing 100 percent to every game and looking to win every night.”

(Image permission: Nicky Pearce)