Courtenay was player-boss at Belfast Giants until last season

Newcastle Vipers have announced the signing of Canadian winger Ed Courtenay after he came out of retirement to agree terms with coach Rob Wilson.

Courtenay, 40, quit his coach role with Elite League side Belfast at the end of last season but admits the lure of top-flight hockey was too strong to ignore.

"I had planned to retire from playing," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The Vipers have a good team and hopefully I can chip in and help them challenge where they should be."

Ed is a top offensive player who wants to win and we are very excited about what he can bring to the table here Coach Rob Wilson

Courtenay's signing is a coup for coach Rob Wilson, who has been looking to add firepower to the Vipers' forward line this season.

"We are delighted to have signed Ed and he will bring a lot of creativity to our forward lines and give us that extra spark we have been looking for," he said.

"Ed is a top offensive player who wants to win and we are very excited about what he can bring to the table here at the Vipers."

Courtenay has NHL experience, making 44 appearances for San Jose Sharks during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 season and has also played for Elite League side Sheffield Steelers during his time in the United Kingdom.

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