Kralj netted 65 points in 34 games for Maribor in the Slovenian League

Newcastle Vipers have signed Slovenian forward Matic Kralj from Maribor HK to their Elite League roster for 2009/10.

The 26-year-old winger scored 65 points from 34 league games for the Slovenian League runners-up and coach Rob Wilson sees the signing as a coup.

"Matic was on the radar of a couple of other UK clubs, and I'm delighted we've managed to get his signature," he said.

"He has shown throughout his career that he can put up the numbers in the goals column, but he also plays hard."

A product of the Olympia Ljubljana system, the forward also spent five seasons in North America in the Central Hockey League, posting 85 goals and 120 assists with three CHL clubs.

Kralj returned to Europe in 2007, and last year posted career high in goals, assists and penalty minutes for Maribor, 23 goals and 42 assists while adding 93 penalty minutes.

The Slovenian will arrive in Newcastle on 23 August at the start of Vipers' two-week training camp, which includes an exhibition game against Sheffield Steelers on 30 August at Metro Radio Arena, and another game away to Elite League opposition.

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