Competitive ice hockey will return to Bristol in September after a 16-year absence.

Owner of the Bristol Pitbulls, Richie Hargreaves, has confirmed to the Evening Post that some 20 matches will be hosted in the city after the club secured a place in the English National League (ENL).

The Bristol Pitbulls' application to the ENL was to be decided by a vote on June 6 but Hargreaves revealed the club had been given special dispensation ahead of this date following a successful friendly match in Bristol in December.

All the games are set to take place at the John Nike Bristol Ice Rink on Frogmore Street and Hargreaves is now busy recruiting players for the coming campaign.

The Bristolian is hoping to see the side win promotion to the English Premier Ice Hockey League in the debut season and has enlisted the help of his brother, Mike, to try and achieve that ambition.

Nicknamed 'Killer' for his aggressive style of play, Mike Hargreaves, 29, becomes the club's first signing and offers a wealth of experience on the back of a 13-year career.

The 5ft 10in, 180-pound Bristol-born player has over 700 professional games under his belt in spells with Swindon Wildcats, Isle of Wight Raiders and most recently the Oxford City Stars.

"Mike has something I can't teach, 'experience'," said Richie, who will also play for the side. "His knowledge of the game will be a big part in development of the younger players in the squad and he can also play anywhere on the ice."

Mike said: "I'm really happy to be a part of a new chapter of ice hockey here in Bristol. It's going to be a hard season but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

The club has agreed a one-year deal with the Bristol ice rink for the 2009/10 season with an option to continue on a rolling basis. The venue has capacity for 1,000 fans and will be hosting trials on May 21 (6.20pm - 8.30pm).

Hargreaves is attempting to raise £15,000 in sponsorship to cover the cost of the season and players are likely to have to pay to play initially.

"There are clubs in our league who are in a much better position than us (financially)," he said. "I'm hoping that in a couple of years I can start offering money to people (to play). For the moment we're looking for a diamond in the rough."

Prospective players or sponsors should contact Richie via the club's website: bristolpitbulls.com