SWINDON Wildcats head coach Ryan Aldridge believes that Michael Crisp has a big future in ice hockey after the Welshman agreed to return for another.

The 23-year-old netminder provided the back-up to veteran stopper Stevie Lyle last term and Crisp is set to continue his development at the Link Centre.

“We’ve got the division’s strongest netminder in Stevie [Lyle] and Michael has learnt so much from him so it’s great for his development too,” Aldridge said.

“Michael proved to be great cover last year and he is keen to continue to develop himself as a player so it’s great to have him in the squad.

“When he was called in to action last season, he showed great maturity and he has a fantastic future ahead of him.

“I wanted him to be part of what we’re doing here at the club so I’m delighted he is here for another year.”

With Crisp committing his future to Cats, he has become the 12th player to sign on for the new campaign following the likes of Jan Kostal, Lyle, Alex Symonds, Aaron Nell, Henri Sandvik, Shane Moore, Tomasz Malasinski, Ollie Betteridge, Lee Richardson, Sam Bullas and Steve Whitfield.

And with the players returning to pre-season training at the end of next month more signings are expected in the near future.

The Link Centre side have already lined up home and away challenge meetings with Bracknell to form their pre-season schedule, with the annual launch barbecue being held on Sunday August 31.