AARON Nell is looking to give Ben Nethersell the tools to thrive next season after securing the youngster’s services for another year.

The 19-year-old becomes the Cats’ third signing of the week after committing to his second full season at the Link Centre.

Having started last season with the Oxford City Stars, a depleted roster, which saw D-men Callum Buglass and then Matt Selby ruled out for the season, forced Swindon player-coach Nell to recall the teenager.

Nethersell impressed on his return to the club, scoring 15 points, including 12 assists, from the back-line, and Nell is excited by his potential.

“He bided his time and we had so many injuries, we had to throw him into the deep end,” said the Link Centre chief.

“He had an opportunity to sink or swim and I definitely think he swam.

“Ben moves the puck so well and to get any defenceman, let alone a young defenceman, to move the puck and have vision like him is invaluable.

“He has got a lot to work on, like we all do, but if he works on his weaknesses and keeps on pushing his strengths, he is going to be a great player for the future.”

Nell admits he was forced to put a lot of pressure on Nethersell’s young shoulders last term but he hopes that the Cats starting the new season injury-free will enable the former Okanagan Academy skipper to fulfil his potential.

“Sometimes, with the injuries, we almost put too much on Ben and getting a full roster back, we will be able to manage him a lot easier and put him in situations to succeed,” he added.

“I think, for a 19-year-old, some of the things he had to do last year meant it was very tough on him.

“He had a lot of pressure on his shoulders but he took it well and learnt from it.

“He can really produce from the back-end and that is something we have probably never had in Swindon, especially from a British defenceman.

“This season, he is excited to get going, like all of us, and he wants to have a big year.”