By Stuart Hughes BBC Sport Online

Nottingham Panthers have continued their aggressive off-season recruitment drive by signing Finnish goalie Mika Pietila.

The 29-year-old joins the Lace City club from Finland's HPK Hameelinna, where he posted a 90.8 save percentage last season.

"We've done a lot of checks on Mika and we like everything we hear," Panthers coach Paul Adey said.

"He is an experienced pro and will improve our team.

"We have high hopes of Mika becoming one of the league's top goalies, if not the best."

Panthers general manager Gary Moran added: "You don't play in the Finnish Elite League as a starting goalie with one of the top teams unless you are one of the best.

"Mika has posted good numbers in a league where every forward has a cannon of a shot.

"He tells us that he can't wait to pull on the black and gold uniform and that's the kind of attitude that fits the bill."