New Hull signing has the experience

Yesterday’s announcement of the 27-year-old Slovakian’s arrival completed the roster for player-coach Sylvain Cloutier, who believes he has a team capable of improving on the seventh-place regular season finish of last season.

After four seasons in his national league, Ondrej made the switch to North America in 2006 where he spent three years with the Flint Generals of the United Hockey League, before switching to IHL outfit Kalamazoo Wings.

He spent a week-long training camp with the Detroit Red Wings before injury forced him to leave, after which he returned to Europe where he has remained.

Cloutier came close to bringing Ondrej to East Yorkshire last year before he opted for Italy instead and has made no secret of the fact he believes the 6ft 1ins defenceman will prove a big hit during the 2011-12 campaign.

Ondrej says his experience of North American hockey – which the UK game is generally closer in style to – should serve him well.

“I will put everything on the ice and try to play physical and smart,” he said. “I think I can help a lot, especially with my experience of American hockey.”

FORMER Sheffield Steelers captain Dennis Vial was yesterday unveiled as the latest ‘legend’ to take part in the club’s 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, August 27.

The former Ottawa Senators defenceman, now 42, led the Steelers to the grand slam in 2001.