WELSH forward Chris Jones is the latest player to be retained by Swindon Wildcats ahead of their switch to the newly-formed National League, signing a new two-year deal at the club.

Jones, who first linked up with the Cats in the summer 2017 after moving from Elite League side Cardiff Devils, scored 28 goals in 45 appearances for the Link Centre outfit last season – and proved a prolific figure in the team’s NIHL South One league triumph.

While success in the league could not be translated into play-off glory, Jones’ involvement in the Cats’ successful power-play was highlighted as a key area of the club’s game by player-coach Aaron Nell, who was delighted to tie to 28-year-old down to a multi-season deal.

Nell said: “Bringing CJ back for two years is huge for us. He’s been a crucial part of the club for two seasons now and is a massive part of our team.

“He has a habit of scoring huge goals for us and is a very important part of our power-play.

“We were pleased and proud when we found out he had been made player of the year in the league last season.

“He deserved it, and was our top point scorer in all competitions.

“Going into the National League is going to be a change for us and we are really pleased we’ll have CJ in our team for the next two years.”

The forward was equally pleased to put pen to paper with the Cats for another two seasons, admitting re-joining Nell’s troops was an easy decision.

He said: “Over the last couple of years, we’ve built a great culture with an awesome group of guys.

“That’s a huge reason on why it was an easy decision to come back – I’m very excited for my third year.”