Gritty forward Toms Rutkis has joined Cardiff Devils for the rest of this season.

Dual national Rutkis, born in Riga, Latvia, qualifies for Great Britain. He will play against Fife Flyers away and Belfast Giants at home this weekend.

He has been playing for Swindon Wildcats, but is on a two-way contract with Devils.

Now Cardiff will be his primary club and falls into the Elite League British under-23 category having . Rutkis slots in following an injury suffered by Craig Moore which will keep him out for some time.

Rutkis is likely to be with Swindon for a couple of key dates in their season when they are short of players.

“We spoke to Aaron and Steve Nell and at Swindon and they were very understanding,” said Devils managing director Todd Kelman.  “They explained that Toms is a valuable member of their team, but they never want to stand in the way of a player progressing. I thought was very good of them.

“Swindon run a great operation and we are appreciative of their support and help in allowing this deal to be done.”

Devils travel to Scotland on Saturday for an Elite League match against Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy  (7.15pm), while they are at home against Belfast Giants on Sunday (6pm).

They are crucial fixtures for Cardiff, who have suffered three successive defeats and badly need to bounce back strongly.

Captain Jake Morissette and his team then go to Edinburgh Capitals for a third League fixture in five days the following Wednesday (7.30pm).

Giants have strengthened their team by signing David Rutherford. During the last two seasons, the forward played 60 games for the Belfast side, scoring 22 goals and contributing 25 assists, good for 57 points.

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