The Bristol Pitbulls have added international experience to their burgeoning ranks with the signing of free-scoring centre Steven Osman.

The 6ft 2ins, forward agreed terms this week with the new Bristol side who have been accepted into the English National Ice Hockey League for the new season, starting in September.

Coach Rich Hargreaves said: "Ozzy has a lot of raw talent and I'm very lucky he agreed to sign for Bristol and not a bigger club.

"He's a centre-man by trade and they are normally known for their creativeness rather than their finishing so to have a player that can do both is going to be a handful for any club to stop."

Osman, 21, a collections administrator for Watson's fuels just outside Swindon, first picked up a stick when he was six years old and moved through the age ranks in the Swindon Junior Academy before turning to roller hockey at 14.

He captained the Swindon Flames to second place in national and European Championships and went on to earn five caps for Great Britain.

Osman returned to the ice two years ago with the Swindon Panthers and hit 42 goals in 13 games this season.

He turned out for the Pitbulls in their friendly against Isle of Wight side Vectis Tigers in December and was their top scorer.

"I am really looking forward to playing for Bristol Pitbulls this year," said Osman. "There are some great players eligible for the team that I will get a chance to play with and this will improve my game."