Nottingham Panthers new signing Chris Richards has said it was an easy decision for him to come to the city.

The Canadian foward has spent the last three years in Youngstown and is one of seven new players to sign for the club.

Richards told BBC Radio Nottingham: "My family and I had looked at England and we heard lots of good things about Nottingham and their fans.

"[Former player] Brad Patterson had good things to say about the club so it was a fairly easy decision."

Richards went to Ohio State University where he played alongside former Panther Tom Askey.

His first taste of professional hockey came in Germany in 1999/2000 as he scored 38 goals in 47 matches for Hassfurt.

The 32-year-old has since spent the last eight years in the Central Hockey League in North America ripping up scoring records in the process.

He averaged over a point a game over five years with Indianapolis, Macon, New Mexico and Austin.

Richie is an awesome centreman and the Panthers fans are just going to love him Brad Patterson

Patterson said: "Richie is an awesome centreman and the Panthers fans are just going to love him.

"He was adored in Youngstown and he'll be a great addition for Nottingham, I'm sure he'll make a major impact in the Elite League."

Richards scored 270 points in 190 matches for Youngstown and also became team captain.

He added: "I love the game, I have a passion for the game and you'll see me work hard every night.

"I like to read the play well and just be in the right place at the right time."