SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell says Sam Jones is the final piece to his defensive puzzle as he continues to put next season’s roster together.

The 20-year-old, who is based in Canada, becomes the sixth defensive player to sign on at the Link Centre, joining Stevie Whitfield, Neil Liddiard, Tyler Plews, Ben Nethersell and Sam Godfrey.

Jones also had a brief stint with Milton Keynes Lightning in 2016, where he iced 36 times, scoring four goals.

Now with his defensive core settled, Nell says that could prove to be a real attribute for the upcoming season.

“He (Jones) is a player who has played over here before and he played here as a junior too so he counts as a British player,” said Nell.

“He is someone who is really going to help us. Obviously, with him being based in Canada, we haven’t seen him as much as we have the others.

“We’ve done lots of research, spoken with people and watched as much video as we can so he’s really going to help us.

“It’s a bonus that we have got him at the end of the summer, we always keep our options open and if we feel that we can bring someone in to help us we go for it.

“He is someone who is really going to help us and I’m really happy with our defence this year.

“We have six players but they are all very different players and I think that will be a strength in our team now.”

Jones signs from the Summerland Steam, whom he captained in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League in Canada.

Hailing from Birmingham, in 45 games last season he scored an impressive 31 points to highlight his offensive abilities and will arrive in Britain in September.

Jones, whose brother Adam has recently signed for Basingstoke Bison, said: “After last season in Summerland I was torn between coming back to the UK or going to university in Canada.

"I got in touch with Aaron and once I spoke to him my mind was set. Swindon has a top-notch set-up, the fans are brilliant and by the sounds of it the club has a great culture which I’m really excited to be a part of.

"Although I don’t know too much about the guys on the team, it looks like a competitive roster and hopefully we can win some trophies.

"I know Luc (Johnson) from our time in MK and he has talked incredibly highly of the group and I can’t wait until September.

"I would describe myself as a smooth skating D man. I move the puck well and I like to contribute offensively wherever I can.

"The fans are at the core of every club and from playing in Swindon before I can see how passionate and enthusiastic they are.

"I want to express my gratitude in advance, without you the club wouldn’t exist and I promise to do everything I can to win some trophies for you this season.''