LAST season's Newcastle Jesters captain Joel Poirier has ended weeks of speculation by signing for the Nottingham Panthers.

Poirier spent two seasons with Newcastle and was a hard-working, valuable member of the team, loved on and off the ice by fans.

Jesters coach-in-waiting Glen Mulvenna had hoped to bring the American back to Tyneside for a third season, and Poirier had hoped to return.

But he had found the uncertain wait over Newcastle's future a problem, and it is felt he could hold on no longer.

Club officials in Nottingham have admitted it is the second year running they have tried to bring Poirier - one of the hardest working players in the Sekonda Superleague - to the Lace City.

Praise came from all sides of the Nottingham camp.

Director of hockey Alex Dampier said : "Joel is a great guy and a great player. He works hard, goes in the corners and will be making bullets for others to fire."

Co-coach Paul Adey added: "Having played against Joel just last season I know he brings the kind of work ethic to the table that will help make the Panthers a competitive outfit this season."

Panthers' general manager Gary Moran added: "Joel has been a pleasure to negotiate with and has a realistic view of where the sport is going. His signing is a key part of the coaching team's plans.

"We had some monumental clashes with Newcastle last season, especially during the dogfight for the last play-off spot. Joel Poirier was consistently the Jesters' best player against us and the one player our own players were always talking about as being a tough opponent."

Owner Neil Black commented : "Joel played in every one of Newcastle's league games last year averaging a point every other game, his scoring was even better in the cup, that's not bad for a so-called grinder and a penalty killer so we're pleased to have him."