SWINDON Wildcats head coach Aaron Nell has backed new signing Sam Jones to make a major impact on the National Ice Hockey League next season, believing the youngster will carry added threat from deeper on the ice.

Nell last week completed his six-strong defensive line options with the acquisition of the 20-year-old, who has been playing league hockey in Canada and will join up with the Link Centre side in September.

Jones will become part of a defensive unit that also boasts the talents of Stevie Whitfield, Neil Liddiard, Tyler Plews, Ben Nethersell and Sam Godfrey, and Nell reckons the arrival of the former Milton Keynes Lightning man completes what is a formidable Cats D unit.

“Sam is going to be a big player for us,’’ said Nell.

“He makes us so much stronger at the back and his previous experience in the UK will really help us.

“I’m really excited by the defence this year. Bringing in someone like Sam will help take pressure off some of the other guys like Stevie Whitfield, Neil Liddiard and Sam Godfrey.

“He’s so excited to get under way in Swindon and I cannot wait to see him on the ice in September.

“Hopefully he’ll become a crucial part of the club.”

Nell has no concerns about his newest signing being ready for action when he finally pitches up in Swindon from across the Atlantic in September, albeit later than the rest of the roster preparing for the 2018-19 campaign.

“He’s like anyone else. We have players in Scotland and other players away from Swindon, he will keep in shape,” added Nell.

“I know he is rearing to go to be ready for us at the start of the season. He’s going to bring a little bit more offence from the back.

“He skates well and is a good size. I think after we lost Sam Zajac last year, we had to change the way we played a little bit.

“Sam is going to be good on the powerplay and all situations so I couldn’t be happier with the defence that we have got.”