The Niagara IceDogs received a much-needed boost Wednesday night when it was announced their leading scorer from a season ago would be returning.

Ryan Strome will return to the lineup after a lengthy stay with the New York Islanders.

“Thanks NY for the opportunity and experience,” tweeted Strome. “I loved every minute of it. Cya [sic] next year. Back to Niagara now.”

Strome, selected fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, made the Islanders out of training camp but didn’t make his NHL debut, serving as a healthy scratch for both Islander games.

In 65 games last season with Niagara, Strome had 33 goals and 106 points.