Cardiff Fire have signed Great Britain under-20 international Michael Stratford.
He has spent the last two seasons playing full-time in the English Premier League for Manchester Phoenix and Swindon Wildcats, while also representing GB at u-20s.
Stratford is a fourth signing for National League Fire, following Alex Symonds, Callum Buglass and Sam Smith.
The big 6ft4ins winger is from Swindon native and came through their junior programme. Stratford also represented the Okanagan hockey academy at under 16 and under 18 levels.
He put up great numbers during his time at the impressive Okanagan academy. At u-16 level he scored 55 points (41+14) in 18 games and it was during that year Stratford had his first taste of English Premier League hockey as a 16-year-old.
He was even more impressive at u-18, this time firing a massive 60 points (34+26) in 14 games whilst also playing 22 games in the EPL for the Wildcats.
Internationally Stratford has represented GB at u-18 and u-20 level playing 15 games for his country, posting seven points (4+3).
In the under 18’s he has a bronze medal and at under 20’s level a gold and bronze medal. Stratford has also represented South West and England.
“I’m really looking forward to the new role I will be playing next season for the Fire and can’t wait for the challenge ahead of us,” says Stratford. “I also cant wait to play in front of the fans at Cardiff ice arena.
“I can’t wait to contribute to this team and I am really looking forward to getting started now.”
Fire head coach Mark Cuddihy said: “It’s great to be able to bring somebody like Stratty to the club.
“He’s a great guy and many former players and coaches I have spoken to about him only have good things to say about his skill level and his attitude to hockey.
“I’ve spoken a lot with him recently and I can tell his excited to start his Fire career. He’s going to be a great addition to our team and will help us a great deal.
“He really stood out playing against us a 2 years ago as a teenager and I’m really pleased to get him in a fire jersey.
“He’s not just a player for the future, he’s a player for now and a big, powerful youngster. I know Cardiff Hockey fans are going to love him.”