BEN Nethersell is returning to the Swindon-based Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) for the new campaign.

New OHA head coach Ryan Aldridge is delighted that the young D-man will be back at the Link Centre.

The former Wildcats chief said: “Ben is a skilful and very mobile defenceman.

“He has great hockey sense and as his stats show he can spot and execute a pass quickly. Ben has been with the Academy since day one and will play a big part in the leadership of our team.”

Nethersell was one of the first students to enrol for the academy when it opened its doors in 2012 and the 2015-16 season will be his fourth at OHA.

Last season he completed a full set of representative honours playing for the South West Conference U17, England U17 and Great Britain U18 teams.

Aldridge said: “The 2015-16 season will be an important one for Ben. He has all the tools needed to make a big impact in the league.

“With Ben and fellow GB U18 Kyle Smith on the ice everyday in practice, our academy forwards will have to consistently produce their best to make an impression.”

OHA assistant general manager Paul Kelsall added: “It is a great endorsement of the OHA programme to have Ben return for a fourth season.”