Take it on the chin!

You can't be blamed for starting this season a little deflated even before the first puck drops. Since Towe's signing was announced at the end of last season he was hailed as 'the one to watch' and the expectation was that he would trail blaze as our star forward this coming season. But Towe is gone and a suitable replacement is nowhere to be seen.

We spoke with the Wildcats player/coach at yesterday's Season launch BBQ to delve into his master plan and find out what we are doing to entice the much needed import to replace Towe.

What struck me was his positivity. Although openly as anxious as the rest of us to complete the line-up he said, 'We want to bring one (import) in as soon as possible. I would think in the next 2 to 3 weeks we will have a guy in... the right guy, a good goal scorer. I am talking to agents daily'.

However, some would say that even if the right guy does join within Aldridge's timescale it is all just too little too late. Weren't we on the hunt all summer for this elusive import? What went wrong?

Aldridge: 'To be honest with you the whole summer I was looking for a winger to player on that line with Jonas, and with Matt Towe leaving, all of a sudden my whole plan, everyone I had been looking at and done my homework on changed because now I need a centre... Losing Matt Towe was such a key factor. It was going to enable us to roll 3 solid lines and go after teams. At one point in the season I was arguing over him and Sam Smith, which one to take. Luckily I got them both.'

So, in the meantime we have our first challenge game this coming Wednesday when we host the Slough Jets. Does the current line up have what it takes to dominant from day 1?

'I've got more than enough guys to do the job... There is a lot of talent on this team and right now every player is fighting for his place... It's going to be fast, entertaining hockey. The way we are going to play, being more direct, should lead to more hitting!'

Face off on Wednesday is at 19.45. See you there!