SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell believes his side will benefit greatly from the addition of forward Toms Rutkis.

Rutkis, 20, joins the Wildcats on a two-way deal with EIHL league and play-off champions Cardiff Devils, where he enjoyed a successful spell during the second half of the season last year.

While Cardiff will have priority over the left-handed shooter, Rutkis will be available for selection at the Link Centre unless the Devils require the youngster in their line-up.

Aaron Nell said: “We’re thrilled to have come to this arrangement with Andrew Lord and the Cardiff Devils organisation.

“Toms is one of the best young players in the country and the training he’ll get with the Devils will be second to none.

“We saw last year just how much he’d improved from his time with Cardiff.”

“In years gone by Toms has had a big impact on the Swindon Wildcats and we are pleased that this season he’ll have the opportunity to have a further impact on our club.

“Whilst he may not be icing every game, when we do have him it’ll be a big boost to the team and I’m sure the fans will be pleased to see him in Swindon again.”