Team captain Ed Koral has agreed a deal to stay with Streatham Redskins ice hockey team for another season.

One of the longest-serving players in the squad, the local lad adds to a defence boosted by the signing of Jack Tarczycki.

He made 29 appearances last season and would have been an ever-present but for a shoulder injury sustained towards the end of the season.

Head coach Barry Spours said: “The most important quality that a captain should possess is great spirit and Ed showed that in spades last season.

“Short benched and written off by many last season, the team knew we had to play beyond our capabilities, and the player who encapsulated that ideal the most was Ed Koral, “Ed regularly put in huge amounts of ice time in games, played through injury, never gave up, and constantly believed in his team. He was a great support to me as a coach and supported many of our younger players throughout the season.”

Koral posted one goal and 15 assists last season in a team that initially suffered badly with injuries, but got stronger as the season went on.

“Last year was so much fun, despite some of the results,” said the Londoner.

“I got a chance to step up andbe captain, which was a dream come true, and had one of the best seasons of my career.

“The team spirit was amazing and, by the end of the season, we started to look like a solid unit.

“Myself and all the boys love playing for Spoursy and with some of the new faces floating around it should be another great season for the team.

“Being a Streatham boy, I am really excited for the season ahead.”

Spours hopes to source new talent from open sessions being held by the club at Streatham High Road each Wednesday and hopes that, by announcing the re-signing of his captain early along with the return of ex-skipper Joe Johnston, the spirit from last season can be retained when the first puck of the new season drops.

“The spirit that Ed installed in the team must not be lost come September” said Spours.

“It is, and always should be the Streatham spirit.

“No other team in our league has had to face the adversity and unique set of challenges that we faced and will continue to face and for that reason I am proud to announce Ed’s return as captain"