FANS’ favourite Joe Edwards has re-signed for Oxford City Stars ahead of the new season.

The popular forward has 168 career goals for his hometown club and will play on a week-by-week basis in 2022/23.

It comes with the 32-year-old’s partner expecting their second child in October, so Edwards will require some time out in the early weeks of the campaign.

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He said: “I am excited to be playing back at Oxford this year, it never gets old despite my lengthy serving to the club.

“Of course, my heart has always been playing for the Stars since my first game watching them back in 1994.

“I have given a lot of mine and my tolerant family’s time to the team over the years, but with the arrival of my second child due this year I want to put my family first.

“Simon (Anderson, head coach) has been really accommodating for me to be a part of this year and I want nothing more than to be icing with the boys as much as I can and training every week, I will be playing on a week-by-week basis when the baby arrives in October.

“I have met some of the new guys and really looking forward to seeing the team better last year’s frustrating run of form.

"There is some new talent and some big players from previous years at hand this year and will do all I can to make it on the ice as much as possible.

“The fans make this a very tough decision, there is no better feeling than a busy Oxpens Road and I'm sure that place will be rocking this year.

"I look forward to seeing you all in September and pushing for some silverware.”

Fixtures for the new NIHL Division 1 campaign are due to be released soon.

Anderson added: “Joe is a constant offensive threat whenever he has the puck and will provide us with much needed firepower.

“He has also improved his defensive responsibilities over the last couple of years and this has made him a more rounded player and he will get the opportunity to continue in those situations this season for us.

“Joe is a great guy to have around and will play a valuable role both on and off the ice during the season, as we look to have a successful season and build for the future.”