Published: Thursday, 31st December, 2009 2:00pm

Watt's up for the Jets

Ice hockey

Jets owner Zoran Kozvic and Ryan Watt, playing for the Bees at the time, go at it earlier in the campaign.

FOLLOWING Ryan Watt's controversial departure from the Bracknell Bees, Slough Jets head coach Pete Russell has swooped to sign the centre.

Watt was released from Bracknell with immediate effect last week with Bees owner Stuart Robinson not commenting on the reasons behind the decision, he said: "We cannot comment on anything in relation to this matter. You will have to respect our's and Ryan's privacy on this matter."

Bees head coach Claude Dumas confirmed: "It's something outside of our control really.

"It wasn't performance related or to free up money for a new signing.

"It was a third party thing, something happened, but I cannot say any more."

But Russell had no hesitation in snapping up Watt, the Jets head coach commented: "I have been looking for a centre to add to our team and when the opportunity to sign Ryan came up I didn't have to think twice. I've worked with Ryan previously and I know what a good player he is and will be within our set-up.

"I have a lot of time for Ryan and seem to get the best out of him. He will bring skill and strength at both ends of the ice, and has a huge personality to go with it. I look forward to having him around again."

Watt is scheduled to make his debut on Saturday, January 2 when Slough host Sheffield Scimtars and then travel to Manchester Phoenix a day later.