Richardson will be our energy guy. He fights, he hits and gets in people's faces Corey Neilson on new signing Bruce Richardson

Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson has nearly completed his roster following the addition of two experienced forwards.

Chris Richards, 32, arrives at the National Ice Centre from Youngstown in America after scoring 278 points in 190 matches over the last three years.

And Bruce Richardson, 30, joins from Wichita having scored 57 points in 62 matches last season.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We are really excited about these guys."

Richards began his professional career in Germany scoring 77 points in 47 games for Hassfurt in the 1999/2000 season.

Since then, he has spent his time in the Central Hockey League ripping up scoring records in the process.

His last three seasons have seen him play for Youngstown scoring 92, 106 and 80 points respectively.

In 2006/07 he played alongside former Panther Brad Patterson and former Sheffield Steelers forward Jeff Christian.

Neilson said: "Chris Richards is that smooth slick centreman we really wanted. He's led the CHL in scoring for a number of years now.

"He's a great passer, a powerplay guy, and he's that perfect playmaking centreman I promised a while ago."

Richardson, who turns 31 this month, has played all over North America and had a spell in Germany.

He has played over 200 games in the American Hockey League, as well as scoring regularly in the East Coast Hockey League and United Hockey League.

His former team-mates include Scott Ricci, Rumun Ndur, Braine Thompson and Dion Darling.

Last year, Richardson was an opponent of Richards, as the pair faced each other in the Central Hockey League.

Neilson said: "Richardson will be our energy guy. He fights, he hits and gets in people's faces.

"He does everything and that's exactly what I want to see from him. He blocks shots, he's good on the penalty kill and he leads by example."