So, who is Jan Kostal?

Yesterday the signing of Jan Kostal, our new forward, was announced. Like you we wanted to find out more and see him in action! After watching Jan's first training session with the Wildcats we sat down with him to chat about his career so far and what he is bringing to the Cats.

The departure of Juha Silvander is still fresh in our memories so it is fair to say the news of a top new signing has come around a lot quicker than a lot of us expected. Alongside a trip to Poland, coach Ryan Aldridge has also been actively speaking with agents. He openly expressed his aspirations to bring in a new import as soon as possible. According to Jan, after his initial discussion with his agent it took just 4 days for all the paperwork to be signed. He was happy to commit quite quickly as he has been without a contract so far this season.

Until last season Jan played with Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic's Extraliga. This is the top league in his home country and the hockey is of a very high standard. So how does this compare to the EPL? The two leagues are not comparable but Jan thinks this is more because there is a very different style of hockey played in the UK. He has come across as confident and he is positive he will fit in to this style quite quickly and help to win games!

So how does he plan to do this? He is bringing with him a wealth of experience and it is clear when speaking to him that he is determined with a natural drive to succeed. 'I like to skate and shoot. I play hard in front of the net'

It is fair to say that there have already been some questions around whether or not he can really make a difference. His career stats being referred to as reflective of a player achieving less than the Wildcats need. Looking beyond the figures, his last two seasons with Karlovy Vary they put an 'A' on his shirt. In 2009 he took home a medal and the honour of winning the Extraliga Championship, an achievement which he has quoted as his career highlight.

Ryan Aldridge is still saying that he wants to see the Cats take home silverware this season. Will bringing in Jan Kostal be the move to drive the team forward? Here's what Jan said:

'I want to push the team forward but not just me the whole team needs to push it forward for the title.'

Jan will ice for the first time in red and white this Saturday in Slough, where traveling fans will get to see just what he can do.

Good luck Jan!

Sam Bullas: Supporters Player of the Month October

Sam Bullas has been a regular at the Link Centre for 5 seasons. His popularity has grown and grown. This was proven when last month you, the fans, voted for him as your Supporters Player of the Month. We caught up with Sam after Swindon's home defeat versus Guildford to capture his reaction on taking the trophy and to speak about the Cats recent form on the ice.

It is fair to say that Sam was taken aback to be voted as the stand out player in October. Sam had a tremendous month creating a great presence on the ice, displaying the full deck - goals, assists and throwing a few punches for good measure.

'I'm getting a bit older and a bit wiser. It's about time I show my potential. I've had a few bad seasons where I've missed a bit of time. This is the first year I started the season with no injuries and no family issues, I think maybe that's one the main factors towards it. I am very very grateful to all the people who voted for me. It is nice to win it and I am very humbled by it.'

Sam was very candid when he spoke about how the teams recent succession of losses. He apologised for the losses saying 'I don't feel like I've really earned it because I'm not winning the games for you guys.' Speaking about the Guildford game (9/11, Swindon lost 2-5) Sam said. 'It was a difficult game for us tonight, we've been very unlucky'.

Unfortunately this has been a recurring sentiment this season and rumours are rife of change.

'Despite the fact that it is fun and we all love doing it, it is a job. You see it happening all over the league, people being fired. The pressure is on and everyone has got to step their game up now.'

So what comes next for Sam and the boys?

'I love this place I've been here 5 years. Swindon is my home now. I really really want to win some silverware. We never have since I've been here and it's about time we did!'

Congratulations Sam Bullas! Your SWSC Supporters Player of the Month for October!