Payette celebrates a goal in Vipers colours

Newcastle Vipers have agreed a new deal with Canadian forward Andre Payette for the forthcoming Elite League season.

Payette, 31, has made 150 appearances for the club, scoring 85 points since arriving from rivals Coventry Blaze in the summer of 2005.

The announcement follows the forward signings of American Rob Rankin from Hull Stingrays and Joel Irving from Canadian side Youngstown Steelhounds.

Vipers reached the semi-finals of last season's Elite League play-offs.