OXFORD City Stars have captured Great Britain under 18 defenseman Ben Nethersell as they prepare for their next English National League campaign.

It comes alongside the news key players Joe Edwards and Andy Cox have signed up for another season.

Nethersell’s capture is a big coup for the South Division 1 club, as he has only just returned from playing for Britain in the Under 18 World Championships in Romania.

He started his hockey career at Streatham, before moving to Swindon as captain of the Okanagan Academy Under 18s.

Nethersell said: “I know that Oxford are a hard working team with hunger to win a championship after being knocked out of the play-offs last year.

“By coming to Oxford I want to improve my overall game. That way I can bring more to the team.

“I want to help my team by getting points in every game.”

Stars coach Simon Anderson is pleased with his hat-trick of signings.

He said: “Ben is someone who will really help and improve our team, whilst fitting into our style of play perfectly.

“He is a very mobile D-man for his size and moves the puck extremely well, which will improve our transition game.

“The other part of Ben’s game that will help us is his ability to put up good numbers with his offensive style, which will be an advantage if we are down a goal or two.”