OXFORD City Stars have signed defenceman Ruslan Cernych.

The 6ft 6ins Lithuanian Russian dual national bolsters the side’s roster ahead of their NIHL Division 1 South campaign.

Cernych, whose previous clubs include Arizona Redhawks, San Diego Skates and Milton Keynes Thunder, cannot wait to get started.

The 24-year-old said: “I’m glad and honoured to have signed for Oxford City Stars.

“It’s a club with great history and support.

“I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can and work towards the possible best results and achievements together with the club.”

Head Coach Simon Anderson added: “I’m delighted to have signed Ruslan.

“We do have budget restrictions and the club has to be sustainable, so it’s not easy, but thankfully he was an absolute pleasure to deal with.

“From the first time I spoke to Ruslan I felt he would be a good fit for us.

“He is a big guy, with a good skating stride, solid defensively and makes a great first pass and likes to jump in the rush, which will fit in the style I want us to play.

“Ruslan will also help us in our speciality teams, with his long stick and big shot. I’m Looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Stars Jersey."