17-year-old forward Luke King has signed for Paisley Pirates for the 2021/22 season.

King will feature in his first season in the Scottish National League after coming through the junior ranks at Lanarkshire Lightning, where he was the top scorer for the U16 team prior to the pandemic.

The son of former Paisley Pirate Martyn King, who played for the club back in the 1990s, is looking forward to progressing to a higher level and trying to cement a regular ice time slot within the squad.

He said: “It feels great to sign this year for the Pirates. I have had some experience training with them previously and I can’t wait to now be part of this squad. The step up to SNL is something I am excited about. I have been working hard all summer and the chance to continue my progress under two successful coaches is something I couldn’t turn down.

"I want to push myself to the limit and knowing the close relationship the Pirates now have with Glasgow Clan is a big incentive for me to work towards becoming a professional player. I believe this is the best place to be to help me do this.”

Pirates' head coach Ian Turley says he is looking forward to working with youngster.

He said: “We have had our eye on Ollie for a few years now and have been closely monitoring his progress.

"He has all the tools to become a successful player in the SNL and at higher level. We are committed to giving him the best chance to succeed, which will take time, however if he can continue to progress there is no reason why he cannot go on to achieve big things.

"We’re looking forward to having him join the Pirates and we’re very excited to see him in action this coming season.”

King is the first graduate from a partnership between the Pirates and Lanarkshire Lightning which both teams hope will produce more players and give them a chance to develop.