Guildford Flames

The returning core

Guildford finished 5th in the Elite League last season before a quarterfinal playoff exit, and head coach Paul Dixon returns to build on that with a squad that' stayed remarkably settled through the summer.

Captain Matt Alvaro is back, and the club has extended a long list from last season' roster: Tyler Busch, Mathieu Gosselin, Brett Neumann, Chase Gresock, Zack Milton, Jonathan Racine, Joshua Waller, Travis Brown, Justin Fazio and Adam Long all return.

Summer reinforcements

The standout addition is defenceman Karl Boudrias, who arrives directly from champions Belfast Giants, a real statement signing for a club aiming to close the gap on the league' top sides.

Elsewhere, Cole Sanford arrives from Glasgow Clan, Jack Jacome joins from Rouen Dragons in France, and Samuel Talbot signs from Cardiff Devils, all adding further forward depth. The most recent confirmed arrival is Justin Ducharme, who joins from Fife Flyers. On the blue line, Nate Kallen, Jake Willets and Jordan Power bring fresh options to complement the returning group.

In goal, Brad Arvanitis joins from Maine Mariners to share duties with returning veterans Justin Fazio and Adam Long.

Departures & outlook

The only outgoing piece of note is goaltender Jake Kupsky, who left for Belfast Giants back in February, in effect the reverse of the Boudrias deal months later.

With continuity up and down the lineup and a genuine upgrade on the blue line, Guildford look like one of the more settled sides heading into the new season.