DARREN Elliott will make a sensational return to the ice tomorrow.

The Oxford City Stars assistant coach, who retired at the end of last season after a 29-year career, has been asked to help ease the club’s injury crisis.

Stars had seven players unavailable for the clash at Streatham last weekend, and numbers will again be down for tomorrow’s English National League South Division 1 game with Slough Jets (6.15) at Oxpens.

But Elliott has answered the SOS call from head coach Simon Anderson.

Stars kept his registration as a player for injury cover in case of emergencies.

Anderson did not think he would ever need to call on Elliott, but turned to his right-hand man for help this week.

“Simon has asked me if I could play this weekend just to help out,” said the Stars’ record appearance holder.

“The players have been double-shifting for the past three weeks and it will just help take a bit of pressure off.

“I agreed to keep my registration, but never expected I would be required to be honest.

“But we were down to 13 guys on Sunday, which is crazy.”

He added: “Simon asked me if I could just step in for one game to help before a few players return the following week.

“I do miss playing, but I am really enjoying the new challenge of coaching and have only agreed to help due to the extreme circumstances.”

Anderson admitted the lack of numbers has been a huge concern.

“This has got to be one of the worst injuries and suspension situations I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

“The boys have really dug in and worked hard, but we need to increase the numbers.

“I respect Darren retired, but there was an understanding that he could play if we had injuries.

“We have battled through and will have players back soon, but I felt adding Darren to the squad this weekend will just help us with line rotation and help us get through.”