THE Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats have announced the return of former star Edgars Bebris to the Link Centre for the upcoming NIHL season.

Bebris initially joined the Wildcats midway through the 2017-18 season and has gone on to ice in 140 games, putting up 76 goals and 83 assists for 159 points overall.

The Latvian powerhouse opted to join MK Lightning for the Covid-affected 2020-21 campaign before preferring to return to a club he knows well after icing in only four games last season.

Throughout his first spell in Swindon, the 29-year-old was vital in the successes of the Autumn & National Cup in 2018 before the league title win in 2019.

Previously, Bebris had also iced for Elite League outfit Manchester Phoenix as well as National Ice Hockey League sides Peterborough Phantoms and Sheffield Steeldogs.

And with last season being a frustrating one following a disappointing move to Milton Keynes, Bebris has decided to return and be a part of Aaron Nell’s roster once more.

Speaking to club media, Wildcats head coach Aaron Nell was apparently unable to hide his excitement after getting Bebris’ signature one again.

He said: “We never wanted to lose Eddie last summer and the door was always open for him to return.

“We spoke again this summer and I’m really happy to have got his signature. We’re happy with the British forwards we have signed up and adding Eddie again only strengthens that.

“Eddie is big, powerful and smart. He’s got a great shot on him and he forged a really good relationship with Chris Jones in the last couple of seasons.

“I know how happy the fans will be to have ‘Eddie The Eagle’ back in the red and white jerseys and I can’t wait to start working with him again.

“He was a key part to our locker-room and I speak on behalf of all the players when I say I’m looking forward to welcoming him back into the team come September.”