Murrayfield Racers bolster roster with returning Europeans

Rolands Dietlavs is back for another season with Murrayfield Racers. Pic: Racers Media

Murrayfield Racers preparations for the new campaign continued with two Europeans confirmed as returning to the roster.

Latvian forward Rolands Dietlavs will return for his first full season after joining the club earlier this year, while German forward Alex Christian has also agreed a second season with the SNL club.

Prior to his move to Scotland, Dietlavs had previously played in his homeland, icing in the top flight for HK Ogre, Zemgale, Prizma Riga and HK Ozolnieki/Monarch.

The 28-year-old, initially picked up by the club after being recommended by Racers’ defenceman Rihards Grigors, also had a spell in the Netherlands, before returning to Latvia to play for Zemgale once again.

“I’m delighted to be able to represent the Racers again,” Dietlavs said.

“Joining up with the team part way through last season was a bit tough, but I was happy to be able to contribute to the success in the NIHL North Cup.

“The fans probably haven’t seen the best of me just yet and with a full pre-season to prepare I’m really confident that I can step things up.

“It looks like we’ve built another strong squad, so I can’t wait to join up with all the players and do what I can to bring even more success to Murrayfield.”

Christian, meanwhile, enjoyed a productive first campaign in Scotland, scoring 17 goals with 24 assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.

His efforts contributed to the club retaining the Stuart Robertson Cup and winning the NIHL North Cup for the first time.

The 26-year-old, who had previously played in both Germany and Denmark, says he is delighted to be returning to Edinburgh this autumn.

“Last season was brilliant – winning so many games is always fun and eventually lifting the NIHL North Cup was certainly the highlight of the year,” he said.

“Apart from the many uncertainties these days, I knew straight away that I really wanted to play for the Racers again.

“I want to continue exactly where we ended last season – winning games, having fun and continually progressing as a team.

“I think our aim for next season should be to provide our fans with our best hockey and collect even more silverware.

“I hope to be able to contribute my share in all of this and I’m really looking forward to hitting the ice in Murrayfield again.”

The 2020-21 SNL season is due to start on September 1 although this date is subject to change dependant on government guidelines.