SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell has not underplayed the importance of capturing the signature of Tomasz Malasinski for another season.

The Polish international committed to two more years at the Link Centre yesterday as the Wildcats fought off competition from other teams.

Malasinski, who joined from Polish second division side GKS Tychy in 2014, enjoyed his best season last year as he finished third overall in the English Premier League standings for total points, level with second-placed Arnoldas Bosas of the Sheffield Steeldogs and four points behind Manchester Phoenix’s Robin Kovar.

Now Nell, who was anxious to ensure Malasinski was retained, is hoping that he can continue to be a guiding light for his side going forward.

“We are so happy he has decided to come back and it is a massive signing for the club,” he said.

“He wanted to get the World Championships with Poland out of the way first before he discussed a deal and he was happy to come back and we were desperate to have him back.

“Stevie (Lyle) was huge and Tomasz was our second most important signing. There were an awful lot of teams who would have taken him and we are very lucky to have him.

“Tomasz has had two really good years here and really enjoys it. His wife has moved here as well so hopefully they are settled. We now hope he can have more than two good years here.

“Tomasz, in my eyes, was the best all-round import in the league. He can do absolutely everything.

“He can do anything on the ice. He is a goal scorer, he can play two ways all around the ice and is a great player for the youngsters to look up to.

“He is gritty and the passes he can pick up, a lot of the players are in awe of him.

“Everyone likes Tomasz and he is a massive part of our club.”

Malasinski is the 10th player to be confirmed for next season’s roster and the fourth to commit to more than one year at the Link Centre, something Nell hopes will add some stability to his side.

“The players we have brought back so far are really important to us and there are a few more to come,” he added.

“Especially players like Tomasz and Stevie, they have got a bit of stability and so have we and every year you are not talking about contracts.

“They are top players and are players that every team in our league would want. Having players like Höögy and Stevie and Tomasz signed up is massive and having Tomasz and Stevie in our line-up, we’re always going to be a good team.

“They are such important players and we are very lucky.”