AARON Nell believes he needs just three more new faces to complete the Swindon Wildcats’ roster for the 2016-17 season.

Canadian D-man Mark Smith became the Cats’ fifth and final import signing for the coming campaign when he agreed a move from Elite League side Cardiff Devils on Monday and player-coach Nell is now looking to put the finishing touches to his Link Centre squad.

Swindon are in need of a netminder to support first-choice stopper Stevie Lyle, following youngster Jordan Hedley’s return to English Premier League rivals MK Lightning for next season.

The club’s official announcement regarding the capture of Smith earlier this week stated his arrival completed the Cats’ defensive options, meaning the other two spots up for grabs on the roster come in the forward line.

“We have got a back-up goalie to sign and we need to bring in two more forwards as well. We are pretty sure we have got one of them and we are still talking to the other,” said Nell.

“We are excited about them and if we can get them both to come, they will be great signings.

“They are young British guys like a fair few of the guys we have got here already.

“We’re lucky that we have also got people like Neil Liddiard and Lee Richardson in our squad and it’s down to them to show these young guys what it takes to win and what it takes to be a hockey player but that’s what being a team is all about.”

Smith’s addition was the 17th name to go on the Cats’ roster, meaning they would head into the campaign with 20 players should Nell succeed in making his final three signings.

The Cats gave ice time to 30 players during the last campaign and Nell does not think a much more streamlined squad will do their chances any harm.

“If our last signing comes off we will have seven D-men and 11 forwards, with Ben Nethersell playing a lot in Oxford, so it will be more like six and 11,” said Nell.

“If it all comes together we are excited about what we have got and we should be in a good place and I’m hopeful we can have a good season.”