Foster was a former Vipers and Durham Wasps star

Veteran netminder Stephen Foster has joined Newcastle Vipers' English National League academy side on a player-coach basis.

Foster, 34, will combine playing duties with an assistant coach role, specialising in working with the academy's netminders.

"I am excited at what they are trying to achieve with the ENL side and the academy as a whole," said Foster.

"We're looking to make the ENL side an attractive proposition to supporters."

Stephen is a true professional, and will bring that approach to the team this season ENL Vipers coach Ivor Bennett

With Foster a fans favourite in both Durham Wasps and Newcastle Vipers colours, coach Ivor Bennett believes his old team-mate will bring much enthusiasm and experience to the youth set-up at Newcastle.

"Naturally I'm delighted to have signed Stephen for the ENL Vipers. We are building the team from the back, and to have a great goalie in place is a fantastic start," said Bennett. "Stephen is a true professional, and will bring that approach to the team this season.

"He was interested in returning to the ice after playing the two exhibition games at the back end of last season. I was only too happy to give him the chance to play again."

The Academy Vipers compete in the English National League, which has been newly revamped with two divisions, and a play-off weekend which takes place in April.