SWINDON Wildcats head coach Stevie Lyle is delighted to have beaten off fierce competition to sign ‘import’ Brit Corey McEwen.

The Cats today announced the signing of the 22-year-old dual national with Lyle expecting him to bring a new dimension to his side with his Canadian league experience.

Lyle admitted knowing McEwen’s father, Doug, from their time playing together at the Cardiff Devils, played a big part in securing the much sought-after youngster.

“I wanted to sign him because I think he is going to bring a lot to our team,” Lyle told the Adver.

“He is a great pick-up for us and I think I got lucky knowing his father, which helped the situation.

“Other teams were offering bigger contracts and I spoke to his dad a couple of times. He is comfortable sending his son away knowing myself, I think Dougie trusted me.

“He is hungry and wants to come and prove himself and his goal is to play for the Devils like his father and I think my connections with them helped as well.

“He also wanted to come to Swindon as well after I explained about the team and the goals going forward.

“He is going to be a great addition and I am expecting a lot from him, with him playing in Canada.

“He is going to be the fastest guy on our team and he’ll do everything for us which is a big plus.

“Him being British made the decision a lot easier because it is like getting an import player.”

McEwen, who played for his father’s Canadian side Sudbury Bulldogs, is expected to fly over from Toronto at the end of August to join up with the Cats.

“He is working out every day and on a programme where he is on the ice working, he is ready to come over and make a big impact,” added Lyle. “Even if we only keep him for one year it will be a big thing for him and for the team because he can help us go a long way.”