Sutton Sting are back in training preparing for the 2011/12 ice hockey season and the coaching duo of Ian Johnson and Simon Offord have been working hard away from the ice putting the final pieces of the team jig-saw together. With Shaun Ashton already announced as the new No. 7 for the Sting the Club can confirm today that former Sheffield EPL forward Richie Oliver has joined the Ashfield club.

Offord is delighted with the acquisition of ex Sheffield Scimitars forward Oliver who is resuming his hockey career after a long absence through injury. Oliver progressed through the Sheffield junior system achieving many high profile accolades along the way. He has played pro for many years, accumulating a very impressive points tally during his career. Sting Director of Hockey, JR, knows Oliver very well indeed and said’ “To say Oliver is a workhorse and powerhouse is an understatement, he is tenacious with a never say die attitude and is just the right player for the 2011/12 team.” He went on, “Richie will rarely lose a 50/50 or board battle due to his physical strength and desire to succeed. He has great explosive speed and an ability to control games.”

In securing Oliver’s signature Sutton Sting are assembling a stronger more potent roster than last season and JR knows that his expertise and that of the recently signed players will give Sutton a significant improvement in performances. Chairman and coach Ian Johnson is excited by the prospects for this new team and said, “It is getting really exciting at the Club what with JR and our recent signings. I can’t wait for the new season to start!” Speaking about Oliver, Johnson added “Richie is a players player who possesses a selfless attitude and this will lend itself well to our ethos and strategy for next season. I am sure Oliver will be one of our major achievers and I can’t wait to see what he will do for us.”