"Jeff is going to bring a wealth of experience, physicality and leadership to the team," Soltys said. "We're fortunate to have him on board. He is the kind of player that knows how to anchor a defensive core."

Winchester (6-3, 220) played in 100 games in the ECHL and CHL the past two seasons. He has scored one goal and recorded 14 assists. He played in 108 games at UAH from 2002-2006 and scored four goals and recorded 41 assists.

"I am here to help this organization win a championship. That is the most important thing to me right now," said Winchester, who spent time last season with the Arizona Sundogs in the CHL, the main rival of the New Mexico Scorpions where Soltys was the assistant coach.

"I met Coach Soltys last season," Winchester continued. "I have friends that played for him and when I found out he got the job I called them to find out more about him. They all said he was a good coach, a good guy and very loyal to his players."

Winchester is only a few classes away from receiving his degree from UAH in International Business.

"I knew that if I went overseas, school would take a backseat," said Winchester. "If I continue to take a class here and there, then it will be several years before I finish. I can finish next spring by staying here and playing this season. It's just the perfect situation from me right now."