Newcastle Vipers have re-signed forward Todd Griffith from East Coast Hockey League side Johnstown Chiefs.

Griffith, 24, quit the Vipers in January to go back to the United States but will now return to Tyneside.

"I returned home as I had another shot at the American Hockey League via the ECHL, and it was a difficult decision," said Griffith

"However the chance didn't materialise and I had said to coach Rob Wilson that I would love to come back."

The return of the prolific forward is a boost to Wilson, as he attempts to complete the Vipers roster for the 2009/10 season.

And the Canadian is confident that Griffith will be able to repeat the success of his first spell on Tyneside during the coming campaign.

He is the embodiment of what we're about this coming year Rob Wilson on Todd Griffith

"When Todd got the chance to go to Johnstown, we always said if things didn't work out I'd love to have him back in Newcastle," said Wilson.

"Todd and I have spoken for a few weeks now and we both wanted to make it happen, and I'm delighted we've been able to come to an agreement.

"When we talked about the type of players we wanted up front this season, we decided we wanted 'Todd Griffith' kind of players.

"He is the embodiment of what we're about this coming year, we're delighted he's coming back and I'm sure the fans are too."

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