Lee Valley Lions have announced the signing of Czech forward Tom Hnilica as the club’s non-British trained player for the 2018/2019 National League South Two season.

25-year-old Hnilica, who is originally from Czech Republic, has played a number of seasons in the NIHL North in recent years.

The Prague native tallied 42 points in 52 games in NIHL North Division 1 between 2012 and 2015, playing for the Trafford Metros and the Manchester Minotaurs.

And the forward will now look to help a new-look Lions side for the upcoming season after it has already been revealed a handful of last season’s have moved onto pastures new.

Hnilica is the first of a number of new players who will be joining the Lions over the next few weeks – stay tuned for further announcements.

The squad is expected to be announced ahead of the opening game away to Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday, September 9.