Canadian Rick Kozak scored 42 points last season

Hull Stingrays have signed forward Rick Kozak from Mississippi RiverKings, who play in the United States' ECHL.

The 22-year-old Canadian becomes the Rays' sixth new overseas summer signing and comes with a good pedigree, according to coach Rick Strachan.

He told BBC Radio Humberside: "Rick is a big, physical guy who fits perfectly into the theme of the team.

�We have been chasing him for a while. We have finally got him and we are glad he is coming."

Kozak was a third-round draft pick by Philadelphia Fliers as a 17-year-old in 2002 before starting his professional career with Brandon Wheat Kings before having spells with Kamploon Blazers, Hartford Wolf Pack, Prince Albert Raiders and Charlotte Checkers.

Last season he scored 24 goals along with 18 assists for Mississippi and joins the Stingrays with a reputation of being tough to shift in front of the net.

Strachan has been looking for a big forward and, at 6ft 3in and 102kg, Kozak fit the criteria perfectly.

He added: "He will stand in front of the net looking for rebounds, he has good hands, can score goals and is not afraid to drop the gloves."