SWINDON Wildcats have confirmed that Aaron Nell, last season's top scoring British player, has agreed terms with the Elite League's Coventry Blaze for the new Elite League season.

Local lad Nell, 20, steps up from a two-way contract between the clubs last season to his first season as a full professional, joining former Swindon senior Russ Cowley under Coventry and Team GB head coach Paul Thompson.

Wildcats' head coach Ryan Aldridge paid tribute to the young forward, who picked up the Dave Richardson Award for Best British Player and Coach's Player of the Year in last season's honours list.

"I would like to thank Aaron for his commitment to the club both on and off the ice,'' said Aldridge.

"He has been a true professional and been up front about the move from the beginning.

"He is at the point in his career where he needs to make the step up to full-professional and he could not have chosen a better organisation or coach to take him there.

"It is going to be tough for us to find a replacement for Aaron as I believe he was the best British player in our league last year.

"As a club, though, we will do our best and of course wish him every success with the Blaze."

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