Kane Russell has signed with the Alpiners men for their final few games of the Premier Hockey League season.
The Otago and New Zealand veteran has been a tenacious defender in over 200 appearances for the Black Sticks.
Russell wrapped up his third Olympic campaign in Paris, alongside fellow Otago Black Stick and Alpiners team-mate Blair Tarrant.
Known as a drag flick master, Russell — who is the fifth-highest goal-scorer for the Black Sticks — will look to bring all that experience to the new league.
Russell, who plays for German club Hamburger Polo, also represented the Black Sticks at two Commonwealth Games, winning silver on the Gold Coast in 2018.
The Alpiners men have booked their spot in the inaugural premier league final, against the Falcons, after finishing top of the table with one round remaining.
They have produced four wins and one penalty shootout loss this season.
The Alpiners host the Tridents in Christchurch on Sunday in a rematch of last Sunday’s game, which the Alpiners won 6-2.
It is the final round robin game before the Alpiners prepare for the final, to be played in North Harbour on December 7.
The Alpiners women also play their Tridents equivalents in Christchurch on Sunday.
It is a simple equation for the South Island women: win, and they will be in the final against the dominant Falcons.
