Riddle returns to the Hull Arena for a second year

Hull Stingrays have re-signed 25-year-old American forward Jake Riddle for a second season ahead of the new Elite League campaign.

The former United States Under-18 international totalled 46 points from 59 games in his first season in the Elite League with the Stingrays.

Coach Rick Strachan told BBC Radio Humberside: "A lot of guys who come over here take time to adjust.

"Jake showed he can play and really turned it on near the end of the year."

Strachan added: "There's no doubting his ability. He's strong, a big guy and skates well."

Riddle, who is from Minnesota, posted two hat-tricks late in the season in Hull's colours, but needs to get off to a fast start this time around and can improve on his statistics.

And Strachan says he is confident Riddle can do that.

"He knows where the net is. He scored 22 goals last year but if he stays focused and is in the right frame of mind he can be a 35-goal player for us next season and that will be huge for us."