Oxford City Stars has swooped to sign goal machine Josh Abbott from Guildford Phoenix.
The 26-year-old scored 126 goals in 85 appearances across four seasons for the NIHL2 club.
He attracted a lot of attention from NIHL1 clubs this summer, but the Stars won the race to sign him.
Abbott said: “I'm delighted to join the Stars and can't wait to get going. I've always been impressed with the set-up here at Oxford and am excited to play in front of the fans.
“It was the right time to step up a league after winning all three trophies available with Guildford last year and, after talking with a few other coaches around the league, Oxford seems like the perfect fit.
“Simon, Shane and the management team have some exciting plans for the club and I really like their vision and strong squad they are building which I'm sure will lead to success. I couldn't be more pleased to be on board and hopefully help the team improve and compete every night this year. Roll on September."
Head Coach Simon Anderson said: “Josh is a huge signing for us. I have attempted to sign him in the past, but he was too happy in his situation, so we could not get it done.
“It's no secret that we struggled to score goals last season so bringing guys in to do that was a massive priority for me. Josh has absolutely lit up the NIHL2 the last few seasons and now he has a chance to emulate that in a higher league and I have no doubt that he will do just that in a Stars Jersey.
“Josh is a smart player who gets himself into areas of the ice where he is hard to pick up and that is why he scored so many goals the last few seasons.
“He had offers from the very top teams in this league, but from the start the project here was more important for him than anything else and that attitude told me he was the right guy for us. We are excited to have Josh as part of the Stars family and I know he is excited for the season ahead too.”
