ICE HOCKEY: Oxford City Stars have swooped to sign utility player Mike Hargreaves.

And coach Darryl Morvan believes that his arrival will give Stars' hopes of challenging for honours a big boost.

Hargreaves joins from Wightlink Raiders, where he played in the English Premier League alongside other recent signings Andrew Shurmer and Richard Wojciak.

He has previously played for Swindon Wildcats, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the side.

"Mike brings yet more experience to the team, and his style of play fits nicely in with our own," Morvan said.

"He is an energetic and intense competitor, has proven he can score goals and also is not afraid to stick up for his teammates when the need arises.

"During practice he has, like the players who have played in the EPL, been eager to pass on his experience to the younger players in the squad to help them develop.

"Having retained the majority of last years team, and with the players who we have added , on paper, I think we have one of the strongest squads in the league this year, and one which should challenge for honours."

Two further additions have been made to the development squad, with the signing of netminding prospect Tom Devey, and young forward Adam Harris.

Both have spent time in the junior programme at Oxford, with Devey returning to the club having finished his university education.

Stars' season starts in two weeks.