Dave Clancy, last season's backup netminder for Manchester Phoenix, has been signed by English Premier League side Swindon Wildcats for the 2004-05 season.

He will replace Wildcats' no 1 netminder Gregg Rockman, who has joined Chelmsford.

Clancy did not get much ice time last season, mainly due to the form of Jayme Platt, who has since signed for EIHL side Sheffield Steelers, but Wildcats coach Daryl Lipsey - himself a fan favourite and former player and coach with Manchester Storm - said: "I knew Dave from my time at Manchester as coach. He will be great in the locker room and I'm sure he will mix in well with the rest of the guys.

"He is a great shot stopper and I also know he is very coachable, willing to learn and wants to improve which is great."

Lipsey also announced the arrival of Gareth Owen from Solihull. "Gareth did not get a lot of ice time last season at Coventry so he went to Solihull. He is not the kind of player who will score a lot of points but he's a hard worker and likes to hit hard."

Meanwhile, Lipsey pulled off a coup by announcing that fans favourite Lee Brathwaite is to make a shock return.

Brathwaite quit senior ice hockey at the start of last season. It was a knock to the eye that prompted him to call time on the sport to concentrate on his career as a firefighter in the Wiltshire Fire Brigade.

The eye injury picked up against Solihull was the last straw for the former Swindon skipper, after also suffering with groin and shoulder injuries during the season.

Following his testmonial match at the end of last season, Brathwaite decided to play recreational ice hockey for the town's Panthers team, but now Lipsey has tempted the big defenceman back into action.

Lipsey said: "I'm excited about Lee coming back. He is going to be available for more or less every game. I have been playing with him in the recreational team and he scares other players and other teams. He is a good player, a good leader and I am delighted to have him back. I think the eye injury last season scared him to death but he's taken time out and is ready to return.

"It solves a big problem for us, because no disrespect to any of last season's players but we were a small team.

"You need big guys and having Lee back helps us in that department. Lee, Shane Moore, Ian Clark, and Andy Shurmer are big strong defencemen and we will be a bigger team than last season."

Lipsey also expects to receive confirmation of his three import signings later this week. One player has already received his working holiday permit and the other two are expected in due course.

Lipsey added: "The guy I have sorting out the signings of imports was with me at Manchester Storm. I know him well and he knows what I expect from players.

"I expect their permits to be completed in the next few days."

The imports are from Lipsey's hometown North Battleford.

One player not returning though is Robin Davison, who has quit because of work and family commitments.