Who will take home the Golden Stick?

Have you got your ticket yet?

Don't miss out on the opportunity to take home the GOLDEN STICK! Not only do you have the opportunity to take home a piece of Swindon Wildcats memorabilia you will also pocket the coins!

How does it work? What can I win?

Tickets for the 'Golden Stick' will be just £2 each. There is no limit on how many tickets you can buy.  The more tickets YOU buy the bigger the prize YOU could win.

For each £2 ticket, a shiny one pound coin is added to the stick. The prize fund accumulates each week and when the draw comes around if your ticket is drawn, you could walk away with the 'Golden Stick'.

The winner will be drawn at the last home game before Christmas. (Saturday 13th December) Updates on the prize fund up for grabs will be published at regular intervals on the blog.

Tickets available exclusively from the Swindon Wildcats Supporters Club!

Are you dreaming of a Golden Christmas?

We are pleased to announce the launch of a NEW prize draw for this season. So, get yourself a ticket and don't miss out on your chance to bag some cash before Christmas, with the 'Golden Stick'.

How does it work? What can I win?

Tickets for the 'Golden Stick' will be just £2 each. There is no limit on how many tickets you can buy.  The more tickets YOU buy the bigger the prize YOU could win.

For each £2 ticket, a shiny one pound coin is added to the stick. The prize fund accumulates each week and when the draw comes around if your ticket is drawn, you could walk away with the 'Golden Stick'.

The winner will be drawn at the last home game before Christmas. (Saturday 13th December) Updates on the prize fund up for grabs will be published at regular intervals on the blog.

Tickets available exclusively from the Swindon Wildcats Supporters Club!

In the Locker Room with Lee Richardson

Last Wednesday saw the Cats fortune change when they took home the two points from a gripping overtime win over the MK Lightning (Final Score 5-4). Up until then the team were on the back of seven consecutive losses. Last weekend after a harrowing 5-2 defeat by the Sheffield Steeldogs we caught up with #16 Lee Richardson to talk about the Wildcats form so far this season, how the team has changed over the years and which teams to watch, in his opinion.

S.W.S.C: Lee, tell me a about the game tonight? What happened.

Richardson: It was very, very disappointing tonight. I don't know why, but at home we seem to be really coming out flat and playing, disappointing. And tonight was just another disaster really.

S.W.S.C: So, what's the atmosphere like in the changing rooms then?

Richardson: Everyone's down and more disappointed. We let each other down. We let the fans down and the coaching staff down, the owners down. There's a lot of pride in there and we've lost all that tonight.

S.W.S.C: So what are you (the team) going to do to turn it around?

Richardson: The only good thing that can come out of it is we have another home game tomorrow and it's against a team like Basingstoke where we tend to raise our game. That's no disrespect to teams we've been beaten by but sometimes we do raise our game for the bigger games and obviously tomorrow with Basingstoke we know that it's a must win. 

(Swindon lost the game on the 26th to Basingstoke, final score 2-4)

S.W.S.C: We have seen this in a number of games this season where you have beaten the teams who based on previous experience, perhaps we wouldn't have expected to. 

Richardson: It's the style too. You know Basingstoke are going to come after us, they're not going to come here and defend and play on our mistakes. (Basingstoke lost 6-4 in Milton Keynes on Saturday) They are going to be coming out hard if they are losing. Sometimes that does play into our hands when we do hit teams on the break. That's not an excuse for tonight. We need to get back to winning. No one really showed up well enough tonight. That's dissapointing for us.

S.W.S.C: Back to you Lee. This is your 8th season with the team. How does the team this year differ to the teams you have played with over the years?

Richardson: I think going over time the professional gets bigger. I remember the first couple of years the coaches having to get the guys to go to the gym and now it doesn't need to be mentioned. Everyone is in the gym. Everyone wants to be in shape. Everyone wants to be better. And for this season it's the same, everyone wants to go. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't pan out well (Laughs). We do have a nice group of guys and that's disappointing for us that we do have good guys and we let each other down.

S.W.S.C: It is also testament to how the whole league is moving. All the teams have stepped it up. Everyone's improving.

Richardson: Exactly, there is no easy night. I think we have to find that in ourselves, that every game has to be like a cup game. We can't come out flat tonight and just maybe sneak it by having better players. That's something we have to really work on. It's not acceptable that we don't play well.

S.W.S.C: There are still plenty of games to play.

Richardson: Tomorrow should be a big game. I mean, obviously in the cup we are still in with a shout of making the semi finals. So tomorrow is huge on every front for us. It's a massive game and going into Wednesday, four cup games in a row. Okay it's not going to put tonight right but it's going to be a massive help in turning our season around.

S.W.S.C: I know we haven't played an awful lot of games but is there any team that look to be shaping up as our nemesis this year?

Richardson: In terms of talent, Telford are obviously just flying. They're crushing teams. Em, I think we are struggling against teams the likes of Peterborough. A good team and a good goalie, the same as Sheffield tonight. We had chances still but the goalie came up big. You know I don't think Peterborough are going to win it but the way they've organised themselves and played, they've really impressed me so far this season.

S.W.S.C: One's to watch them this season?

Richardson: Yeah, it's a dark horse. For one-off games; I think they're going to be quite a decent team.

***

The Cats are next in action this Saturday (1st Nov, 6pm) away at the Isle of Wight, returning HOME on Sunday (2nd Nov, 6pm) for HOCKEY HALLOWEEN when we host the Invicta Dynamos.

Supporters Player of the Month September - Stevie Whitfield

D-Man Stevie Whitfield is Swindon born and bred and has been a part of Swindon Hockey his entire career. Looking at the way his career has steadily progressed, it seems the only way is up for Stevie. Year on year his EPL stats get better and better. Alongside this, he has also become a firm fan favourite. This was proven when you voted him as your Supporters Player of the Month for September.

So why has Stevie stood out in the first month of this new season? We asked him what he thought:

Stevie: I've always felt I worked hard and maybe it's a bit more this year; things are starting to happen now for me. Moving the puck better and being able to make more plays rather than get rid of the puck and just defend.

S.W.S.C: It is not only the fans who have gotten behind you this season. What was your reaction to your team-mates voting you as one of their alternate captains?

Stevie: Really good, especially when the fans recognise what you are doing. And then, if the person next to you thinks you are doing a good job then you just keep on going'

S.W.S.C: You came out from the first game, full throttle. How do you keep fit during the off-season and prepare for the season?

Stevie: I train quite hard in the summer in the gym. This summer I was also on the ice once a week. I trained at another gym which seems to have kicked in a bit. I am feeling better in my body, a bit more comfortable on the puck because of the ice time.

S.W.S.C: When we spoke to you last season you told us your goal was to become a better offensive player. What is your goal for this coming season?

Stevie: I've not really set any goals this year to be honest. I just want to contribute to the team and for the team to do well. You know, if I'm playing well and defending and helping out a bit with the puck movement out front we should be able to get some results. That's the key really.

S.W.S.C: So far the team have had very mixed fortunes.

Stevie: Three games we have won this season we probably weren't expecting to win so if we can go in with that attitude every game, we should be doing well. The league is much better than it was so you know you can't come in at home thinking, ah we're not playing a top four team. I don't think that has sorted itself out yet. You have to do your job every night.

S.W.S.C: Any final words/thoughts for the fans?

Stevie: Thank you very much and keep making the noise!

It's All Kicking Off! - Interview with Ryan Aldridge

This weekend sees the start of the 2014/15 regular ice-hockey season in Swindon. To say we are excited would be an understatement. Ahead of the first fixture (13/09, Swindon Ice Arena, 6pm vs Chelmsford Chieftains) we caught up with Wildcats seminal Head Coach, Ryan Aldridge, to reflect on lessons learned from the preseason challenge games and how he intends to approach the new cup format, which includes teams from the NIHL1 division.

S.W.S.C: The preseason challenge games give you an opportunity to see how the team are playing together and to make any changes necessary before the regular season starts. Now that you have seen them play together competitively, what are your thoughts on the team?

Ryan: Even after the first one we had lots to work on. They had only skated 3 or 4 times together. Against Bracknell, we started slow. The other night (vs MK lightning) we started fast and got slow in the third. Bracknell was the other way around, we got better as the game went on. I think we are going to be deadly on the attack there is no doubt about that! Bracknell's goalie; I think he made some massive saves and that went in their favour. I am very positive right now.

S.W.S.C: Are there any other 'lessons learned' to take forward to the new season?

Ryan: Not get involved in intimidation 'crap'! Lets stay away from that. It's not the kind of team we are.

S.W.S.C: The home game against Bracknell was very feisty. We saw a different side of Aaron Nell. Is this something we can expect for the coming season?

Ryan: I don't think so, but obviously he is going to play very differently with Tomasz. Tomasz plays plays a very different game than Jonas does. So Aaron's going to have to adapt his game as well. It's a learning process for the pair of them but I think he was getting stuck in as the guy had obviously speared Tomas on the play. I think it was good for Aaron to stand up for his line mate.

S.W.S.C: So looking forward. We start off the regular season with a visit from NIHL1 side, the Chelmsford Chieftains. This will be Swindon's first game in the new cup format. How do you plan to approach it?

Ryan: Obviously with the cup games where we are playing the lower level guys we can have only two imports. We will address them game by game I think. I want Jan (Kostal) on the bench. There, he can communicate in a different way. You know, we just have to play our normal game with those kind of teams. We will have some younger guys playing up. We need to come out hard and fast!

S.W.S.C: Will you also use this as an opportunity to give Michael Crisp some more ice time? It is fair to say he did not get a lot of ice last season.

Ryan: No, no, absolutely. You know when you have a goalie like Stevie you are wanting your minutes out of him. But, Crispy deserves more ice-time, there is no doubt about that. I obviously like it when he goes in and he's played well when he has been in. It's just picking those times and slots for him to play and I'm sure he'll get some ice-time through-out those games.

S.W.S.C: With Floyd Taylor injured in the first game we saw his brother step in as injury cover. Loris has played well, can we expect to see him back?

Ryan: Yeah, he did play well. We'll see. Time will tell. There would need to be decisions from both parties on that.

S.W.S.C: Thank you for your time. Best of luck for the weekend. We will catch up again soon.

****

Look out for our next interview after this weekends games!

#LOUDANDPROUD

Renew your Membership today!

We are pleased to announce that membership to the S.W.S.C is now open for the 2014/15 season!

Following on from positive feedback from last season we have decided to hold prices and expand on the membership structure from last season.

So, what can you expect this season? The answer is a bigger, better experience! There will be more Members only exclusive events, more events for all, more prize draws...there will also be some surprises along the way!

So get on board. This is tipped to be a tremendous season for the Wildcats. Be a part of it! Join up today!

2014/15 prices:

Adult: £5
Child (under 16): £3.50
Family (2+2): £16
Family (2+3): £19

Membership includes:

• Free Wildcats/S.W.S.C gift
• Priority booking for all S.W.S.C supported events/discounted tickets
• Exclusive members only event (keep an eye out for details)...
• Free entry to monthly prize draws for great Wildcats prizes
• A chance each month to present the S.W.S.C player of the month award
• Discounts off selected all NEW S.W.S.C limited edition merchandise

If you want to know more, you can use the contact form on the right of this page (desktop view only, email address below) or alternatively come and chat to the team on game night. We will be located in front of the Wildcats display cabinet by reception.

#loudandproud

Email: supporters.club@swindonwildcats.com

The Swindon Wildcats End of Season Presentation

It's that time of year again. It's time for you to vote for your favourite Swindon Wildcats players this season. There are three supporters categories; so it's time to get your thinking caps on and cast your vote for the players that made an impression on you this year.

The categories you can vote in are:

- Best Forward
- Best Defenceman
- Supporters Player of the Year

Register your vote below  > >

The winners will be announced at the End of Year Presentation to be held at the De Vere Hotel on Monday 31st March. Tickets are £20 (adults) and £10 (children). Come and see us on game night to secure your tickets.

Join the event on Facebook! Click here!

Heading to the EPIHL Playoffs!

As we reach the penultimate weekend for hockey in Swindon, no doubt Ryan Aldridge will be taking stock and making plans for the Play-off quarter finals and the campaign to secure a place in the EPIHL Play-off finals in the Coventry Skydome. The pressure and the excitement is building...and that's just the fans!

So where do we stand right now?

With just three games of the regular season remaining, the Swindon Wildcats are looking to secure 5th or 6th place in the EPIHL table.  As it stands, Swindon are lying 6th just 2 points behind Telford. However, with a game in hand over the Tigers, 5th spot is certainly achievable!

With the table in it's current order, Swindon are looking at a Quarter-final playoff header against the Guildford Flames. It is not inconceivable, however, for Swindon to finish 5th and take on Milton-Keynes for a place at the Coventry finals weekend.

Looking at the table below, we can see how well the Wildcats have stacked up against the competition over the 2013/2014 season:

With three series wins (Bees, Phantoms & Tigers) and three series defeats (Flames, Phoenix & Lightning) so far, Swindon's season has been a bit of a mixed bag. However, the Wildcats have come on strong recently with 4 back to back wins which included 3 shutouts for the mighty Stevie Lyle!  There is a good chance that Swindon can grab two of the three remaining head to head series and go into the Playoffs in good form!

Looking again at the table, Swindon have been on the wrong end of a 5 to 1 series defeat to the Flames and a 4 to 2 series defeat to the Lightning.  Since it is possible for Swindon to face off against either of these teams in the Quarter Finals, the remaining fixtures will be the decider.

So, who would you prefer?
 

Ryan Aldridge - The Road to the Play-offs

As we head into this weekends fixtures a lot of us will probably look at the league table wondering, just where the Swindon Wildcats will finish the season? Who will we play in the Play-offs and will we go to Coventry? Last weekend saw both a win and a loss. Swindon still have some games in hand to our nearest mid-table rivals and they will be looking to capitalise on this over the next few games.

We sat down with Wildcats Player/Coach Ryan Aldridge, after last Saturdays 7-2 victory over the Telford Tigers, to find out his views...

S.W.S.C: This was a fantastic win for the Wildcats tonight. The Tigers have been very strong over the past few weeks. What was the feeling on the bench and in the changing rooms?

Ryan: Well, the bench was getting a bit irate at one point. That's why I had to call a Time-out, to calm everybody down. It was what it was to be honest. The guys knew we were playing well. I thought we were backing up a bit too much in the first. In the second period break we talked about putting the game off and not really changing much and playing good defence and the boys played how they should have played. They played great. Some guys played phenomenal tonight.

S.W.S.C: Was it the result you expected?

Ryan: Probably not. I think we're more suited to them in our building. I said that to somebody this week. I thought we were going to win but I didn't think we were going to win by a score-line by that.

S.W.S.C: So, who was the stand out payer for you tonight then?

Ryan: Stevie Lyle was one of them. Ollie (Betteridge) was one of them. I could list about ten, to be honest with you. I thought everybody played well. Jan (Kostal) and Henri (Sandvik) again had a great game.

S.W.S.C: So we've got some difficult games coming up. Is there a plan?

Ryan: (Laughs) There's always a plan. We have to assess how Jonas is doing tonight and in the morning so that I can see what line up I play. There's got to be a Plan B now as well. We'll see. We know we have to play a smart game and we obviously haven't been playing great lately.

S.W.S.C: One thing which we have noticed is that you seem to be icing the younger guys a bit more now. They are certainly getting more ice time than they did before Christmas. Have they been making more of an impression on you lately?

Ryan: I think it adds more to our depth. On the third line, Ryan (Watt) has played outstanding. I think Wednesday night was the best game Ryan Watt has played all year for us. You know, just mixing the lines up a bit takes some pressure off some guys. It puts more pressure on the younger guys and they react to it, you know. Floyd (Taylor) and Ollie (Betteridge) play with such energy that they deserve a shot on those lines.

S.W.S.C: We are expecting some of those guys to be missing in the run up to the Play-offs though.  What's that going to mean for your lines?

Ryan: Well we'll have to mix them up again, won't we.

S.W.S.C: In terms of continuity on the lines then, when will we be able to see that?

Ryan: We'll have to start looking at that closer to the play-offs but I'm not going to change it while we're winning that's for sure.

S.W.S.C: At the moment we have some of the guys here on two-way contracts. Adam Harding played in Cardiff last week to help them out. Where do we stand with these guys for the end of the season?

Ryan: I have first call on Adam (Harding) and I have first call on Ollie (Betteridge). And Aaron is a bit different ... but I thought it was okay for us to lose Adam. They needed a player and I thought it was good for him and that's good for us.

S.W.S.C: So, are you comfortable with where we are in the table as we get closer to the end of the season?

Ryan: We've obviously got some games in hand but then we've got some tough games, especially next month. It's going to be tough for the rest of the year, but are we going to make the Play-offs? Yes. Are we going to keep trying to win as many games as we can? Yes

S.W.S.C: Are we going to Coventry?

Ryan: You know what, if we play like we did tonight for the next few games then we should be there. If we don't, and play like we did the past few weeks, it's going to be a tough task. We're a very up and down team sometimes, very unstable. We just have to manage it and keep it level-headed and keep working hard every night.

****

The Cats take on the Peterborough Phantoms tonight (1st March) at 5.45 in the Swindon Ice Arena. There are only three home games left in the regular season so we hope to see you all there!

#LOUDANDPROUD

Team Talk - with Stevie Whitfield

23 year old D-Man, Stevie Whitfield, has been icing for a Swindon team his entire hockey career. He was trained in the Wildcats Junior Academy and has been a Wildcat ever since. Through the years we have seen him not only evolve as a player and we have also been treated to a diverse range of moustache and other 'stylish' facial hair! We are all looking forward to his Play-off beard!

After Wednesday night's phenomenal over-time victory against the Milton Keynes Lighting we sat him down to answer some of our questions. Stevie talks about the road to the Play-offs and how the current team have helped him grow as a player.

S.W.S.C: Congratulations on the win tonight! It was a very tight game. What was the feeling on the ice and on the bench?

Stevie: Really good! We needed to grind out a win, you know, because we had a very bad run. This one was always going to be a bit difficult but I think we worked really hard. We got back to what we were doing maybe two weeks ago and got the result.

S.W.S.C: So what did you do to prepare this time. Milton Keynes have really been your nemesis this season.

Stevie: There wasn't much special preparation. We just made sure we had a good practice yesterday, worked hard and I think the boys just wanted it tonight. Maybe more than they have done in the past few weeks.

S.W.S.C: So going into this weekend, what's the game plan?

Stevie: Same again really. There is chance we can win against them. So, we've got to work towards that and keep going.

S.W.S.C: We still have some games in hand so it would be nice to take advantage of that.

Stevie: Yeah, it's important to win those so that we can start climbing up the table a bit more and get in a good position for the Play-offs. We are trying not to concentrate too much on what other teams are doing because everyone beats everyone at the moment. So, it's just make sure we do our job and the rest will take care of itself.

S.W.S.C: So Stevie, let's move away from the game now and on to you. You have been with the Cats for a good few years now. How have you seen yourself evolve as a player?

Stevie: I think the best way to say it is I'm a bit more independent than I used to be. I used to play with Jan Melichar last year, a lot. And now I can play with some more, different players. I'm able to kill penalties. Defensively I've got a lot better and now I'm trying to work on my first pass and contribution when we're in their end.

S.W.S.C: The quality of the teams in the league has improved a lot this year. As a consequence have you seen a difference in the way you are being coached? Is there more pressure on you to produce in your position?

Stevie: Em, I feel the main difference is there's no night's off. There used to be there was a couple of games you thought, oh well we'll just turn up and play okay and we'll get a win but now you've got to prepare for every team. every teams good and you've got to be ready, otherwise you will lose.

S.W.S.C: Is there any particular player you play with at the moment that you feel you are learning a lot from?

Stevie: You can play with players like Aku (Pekkarinen) and Jan (Kostal) and while they are not as vocal as some of the imports we have had before, you kinda just get better being around those guys: playing with them and seeing how they play and what they do. With Stevie (Lyle) behind as well. He talks a lot during the game so he's a big help too.

S.W.S.C: So looking at other teams in the EPL, is there any player that you would like one day to have the opportunity to play with and learn from?

Stevie: I guess out of anyone Tony Hand maybe (Laughs). It seems he takes players from anywhere and they go to Manchester and all of a sudden the turn into top point players! You know, someone like Ciaran Long. He's obviously a very good coach.

S.W.S.C: A hard question for you now then. Where do you see yourself in three years?

Stevie: Ooh, that is tough! I don't really plan that far forward. Still playing hockey. Possibly still in this league. Possibly still in Swindon, you never know (Laughs) I do like it here and hopefully we're a bit higher up the league by then!

*****

The Cats next take to the ice on Saturday 22nd February when they take on the Telford Tigers. Face-off 17.45. See you there!

Supporters Player of the Month January: Aaron Nell

What a way to welcome back Aaron Nell! Last week you put pen to paper and voted for him as your Player of the Month for January. Aaron has only been back since Christmas but in that time he has achieved a lot. Not only has he bolstered the lines and with it the confidence of his team-mates he has also managed to squeeze in a heck of a lot of goals. For the statisticians among you, he has scored 22 goals, with 10 assists in a mere 14 games.

Aaron remains one of the most down to earth, humble sportsman you will meet. We spoke with Aaron after the presentation to capture his reaction and get some insight into his last month with the Wildcats and a little about the future.

S.W.S.C: Congratulations on your nomination as the S.W.S.C Supporters Player of the Month for January. Do you have any words?

Aaron: Thank you! It's always nice when the fans think that you have done well. Overall we've had a pretty good month. We've had a few tough games away from home where we've been disappointed but I think the whole team has had a good month and we're ready to keep on going until the Play-offs. The last few weeks we have't been great but we can't beat teams 7 or 8-1 every week. Every team in the league is good. Even Slough, they've got a low budget but they work very hard. You know, you can't take teams for granted.

S.W.S.C: Looking at the rest of the league: there seems to be a lot of surprises at the moment, any team can take the win. We have moved down into 7th (09/02), what do we need to do to keep us in that play-off spot?

Aaron: It's a long season. I don't know how many games we have left. We can look at the table at the end of the season. It doesn't matter where we are now as long as we make the Play-offs and whoever we get we take our chances and play well and get to Coventry. Last week we were in 5th, the week before ninth. It will keep changing. They are all good teams now. There used to be two or three teams who were really terrible and it's not like that now. We can't really panic about that.

S.W.S.C: So, Basingstoke yesterday (08/02). Just how close was it? What was the feeling on the bench?

Aaron: I think we played really well yesterday. They have a very experienced team. Their first line has three top Bristish players on. I think we got robbed last night! Henri scored and it was a goal! There was a very bad call by the referee and we were robbed. I think we played really well against a very good team. We were very unlucky.

S.W.S.C: Unlucky calls happen throughout the league unfortunately.

Aaron: Yeah, there isn't any team winning every game right now. Your going to lose some games, you just want to try to lose the least number possible. Just got to take it game by game. If you don't take the two now you just have to take them next time.

S.W.S.C: What lessons have you been able to take from the recent games?

Aaron: Where we've lost we've only been beaten by a goal. The only game we really 'lost' was against Manchester. So we're doing well. We just lost three games is row but then we were winning the games and either lost in over-time or the last five minutes, and against three tough teams. There are no easy games any more. You've got to be disappointed but then move onto the next game.

********

Next Home Game: Wednesday 19th Feb versus Milton Keynes Lightning, FO 19.45, Kids Go Free.

See you there!

Moore success is coming our way!

As another weekend of hockey closes in you can feel the excitement rising. Last weekend saw the Swindon Wildcats take the maximum 4 points available to the bank. And what a weekend it was! The Cats scored 13 goals, had 64 shots on goal and 46 penalty minutes between them.

We caught up with Wildcats captain Shane Moore after Saturdays win against Peterborough (7 - 1) to speak about the current winning streak, his experience as captain so far and fighting Eric Piatak!

S.W.S.C: Another fantastic win for the Wildcats tonight. What is the atmosphere like in the locker room, on the bench?

Shane: Really, really good. I think we've turned the corner now. Everyone is positive. We're all reading from the same hymn sheet. It's a great feeling in the locker room and it's great to be a part of it. Everyone's really positive and I think we're playing great as a team right now. Everything's going well!

S.W.S.C: So what is it that has clicked for you guys now?

Shane: I think the big thing that happened really was Aldy (Ryan Aldridge) making smart changes. Bringing in Aaron Nell was a no-brainer when he became available and he's been a massive signing for us. But also, with Richardson coming in, he's a versatile player. Playing both D and forward gives us so many options. It means we can still play six D all night and that keeps the D fresh. And we've got three lines of forwards if not more so everyone's fresh coming in. We've got a lot of talent back there.

S.W.S.C: And then for you as captain. We are a few months in now, just how is it going for you? How are you finding the pressure?

Shane: It's been interesting for me, you know. I was captain when I was a junior but I haven't been captain in my whole senior career, and I've played senior hockey since I was fourteen! It's been a bit of an adaptation but I've been really been pleased with how the boys have responded to me. We have a bit of banter, but everyone's been playing well and it's a credit to the boys. They are playing well for me and playing well for the coach.

S.W.S.C: So, is there any tactic which you have deployed yourself to influence the change?

Shane: You know, I play my game nice and steady. I speak with Aldy occasionally, but I leave most of the changes up to him. My real strengths lie in being on the bench and on the ice motivating the guys, keeping them going and just controlling the D-Zone for them.

S.W.S.C: We had a thrilling end to tonight's game (Fight with Peterborough's Piatak). What sparked it off?

Shane: I hit the guy in the corner and he turned around and elbowed me in the face so I looked at him, he threw down his gloves and grabbed on to my shoulder pads. The first punch I caught him with split his nose right open and that pretty much ended the fight to be honest. I was a bit disappointed by the way he reacted at the end after he lost the fight. I caught him with a couple of good ones and he was heavily bleeding but to lean over myself and the linesman and bleed all over us was very disrespectful in my opinion so I was very disappointed with that. But yeah, a very good way to finish the game! Especially with a sell-out crowd. The game had everything we could ask for. Good goals, good hits and a fight to finish!

S.W.S.C: So, looking forward. Swindon still have some games in hand which we will look to win. What's the game plan?

Shane: The game plan should be the same every night right now. You know, we're playing hard. I think teams should adapt to us rather than us adapting to them right now. You look at teams like Guildford which we have beaten recently. We played our game and that was successful for us. We played hard and competitive and they had to adapt to us. That's how we've got to keep going because at the end of the day, those teams can't adapt to us and can't skate with us right now.

S.W.S.C: So is this the Swindon we can expect to see every night now?

Shane: Yeah, I think this is the Swindon you will see for the next few weeks and definitely going into Play-offs as well. Keep playing hockey like that and it will be successful for us. That's the way Aldy wanted to play at the start of the season, aggressive, and I don't think we did play it that way at the beginning of the season but with the changes, we've got enough bodies. We can play with energy, hard and aggressive and that's working for us right now.

S.W.S.C: So if the fans keep coming and making noise they will be entertained?

Shane: The fans are brilliant right now! To have those guys with us, it's a brilliant feeling. We're getting sell-out crowds at the moment at home and that's great. The away support is brilliant as well! Keep on coming!

****

Next home game: Saturday 1st February versus Guildford Flames, Face-off 5.45

See you there!

Ryan Aldridge takes the pressure off

The fortunes of the Swindon Wildcats look to be changing. Last Sunday they came away from a home game against the Guildford Flames with a 5-2 victory under their belt. Losing away Saturday to Milton Keynes was just a minor blip following on from the awesome 6 point week which preceded it. There has been a noticeable shift in momentum on the ice. So, what has changed? We spoke with coach Ryan Aldridge after the game on Sunday to ask him that very question and find out what he thinks the next few months have in store.

S.W.S.C: Tonight's result (Swindon 5 - 2 Guildford) was fantastic for the Cats.

Ryan: Yeah, I think it was a 5-1 hockey game as well. We just got a little sloppy in the final minutes. Yeah, a great win. Especially to beat Guildford. Any night that's great but being a few players short, it's a great result for us!

S.W.S.C: Just a couple of weeks ago we were suffering from some bitter defeats. You said in the press that you sat down and had a meeting with Steve Nell and conversations with the boys. So what was said to turn around the results.

Ryan: I think it was a point in the season when it was do or die for us. So with regards to making some changes, I just told the boys they had to buck their ideas up and that's what they have done.

S.W.S.C: So have you seen a change in the atmosphere in the changing room and on the bench as well?

Ryan: I think so. We're just playing a little bit harder now. Obviously having Jan and Aaron in the line -up now is great because now we have two solid lines and two or three big players that other teams need to keep their eye on. It frees the other guys up. It's good.

S.W.S.C: So having the goals on the board is really making a difference then...

Ryan: Yeah, yeah, absolutely! With Aaron in the line-up we've always got a chance to score, especially with him and Jonas playing together. And then, now with the partnership of Jan and Henri it's even better!. You know we've got two lines that can score any night.

S.W.S.C: So, what can you see for us in the next few weeks?

Ryan: We've got to start winning those games in hand and start climbing up the table again a bit. Start hunting Milton Keynes down as well. Last night I think we were playing a little flat so yeah, we'll see.

S.W.S.C: Manchester are still looking very strong. Are they still the team to beat?

Ryan: I think those top teams are away from us now so they've kinda gone in a pack of their own. Manchester are a solid hockey team, there's no doubt about that. I like the way they play. Every team goes through a little blip in the season. They'll come in to theirs soon.

S.W.S.C: So we've moved up another place tonight. Looking at the team now where do you see them finish this season?

Ryan: We'll see. You know, for the first time in my life I'm going to keep my mouth shut, and take it game by game. I think we put too much pressure on our boys, when I start saying where we should be and what we should be doing... I'm going to leave the pressure off them, take it game by game and see where we end up.

S.W.S.C: And what do you want from the fans?

Ryan: Just keep doing what they're doing. Tonight was a Sunday night and I think it was a pretty good game, for a Sunday. But you know, the last two Saturday nights have been incredible and obviously that helps the boys raise their game as well when the buildings full.

***

Next fixture: Saturday 25th January vs. Peterborough Phantoms. Face-off 5.45. See you there!

Team Talk - with Lee Richardson

Only a few weeks ago the Link Centre welcomed back Lee Richardson to the team. Lee spent the first half of the season with the Slough Jets. Slough have seen many players come and go so far this season. Earlier In October Ryan Watt ended a very brief spell with the Jets and also found his way to Swindon. We sat down with Lee to talk about his decision to return, how he is settling back in and what he sees for Swindon over the coming months.

S.W.S.C: We would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome you back on behalf go the fans.

Lee: Thank you for having me back! It's nice to be back really. It was hard coming in here as an away player. Thank you for the warm welcome back.

S.W.S.C: Can you tell us a little bit about your decision to return to Swindon?

Lee: Things weren't going quite to plan in Slough. There was a lot of uncertainty. Being an older guy, for me it was do I travel 2000 miles a month to be uncertain on a team or to come home where I know everything inside out and, they know what they are getting from me and I know what I am getting from them.

S.W.S.C: So what was it like walking back into the changing  room?

Lee: It was fine to be honest. There was only a couple of the guys that I didn't really know. They accommodated me really well. Most of the British guys I know and have played against many times over the years.

S.W.S.C: So you are playing in defence at the moment. Is that long or short term?

Lee: Not too sure to be honest. Obviously before Christmas there were so many injuries, it was all hands on deck. At the moment we have 12 forwards and 6 D. So for the moment I will play D and  if anything happens I will move up forward but at the moment I'm happy to be here and playing really.

S.W.S.C: Is there an expectation that you will transition between the two?

Lee: When I came in, obviously the boys were playing well. So the likes of Floydy (Floyd Taylor) and with the surprise of Aaron (Nell) coming back in, he said 'No, you're playing on D to start with'. And that's fine by me. As long as I can be a part of the team and helping.

S.W.S.C: So is that something you find difficult, when you are playing out there with guys you used to be on a forward line with?

Lee: Em no, it's okay. I was always a bit more defencive as a forward anyway. For me it's not the biggest of issues. It's just a matter of improving every game personally and helping the team.

S.W.S.C: So is there any expectation on the table for you to bring any any points, in terms of goals.

Lee: No, we haven't really spoke about that. We have Aaron and some guys who are going to score so for us to win it is more important then for us to take care of our end and work as a unit rather than everyone trying to score.

S.W.S.C The defence are receiving a lot of stick in the press. Is the same being said in the changing room?

Lee: No, because we all know and are honest. When you win a game it's usually going to be down to team defence, not just those two guys. You're always going to have 3 on 2 if that's the case.

S.W.S.C: The team are still trying to find a degree of consistency...

Lee: It's going to be like that. The league is so competitive this year. You've got to ride it out sometimes and thankfully we've still got a few games up ahead so as long as it is like that there is no panic. It doesn't always go perfect but if you take a look at the last few games. It's there but it's just a matter of coming together as a team. Play both ways and we'll be fine.

S.W.S.C: Last season Bracknell were considered your nemesis. You were finding it difficult to get the win. It's not proven that way with them this season. So who would you consider your nemesis now?

Lee: For me I think it is definitely Manchester. A very very tough team to play. Especially in their own rink. Whereas last year it was Jonas (Hoog)/(Aaron) Nell scoring all the goals this year we should have 2 or 3 good scoring lines. That's hopefully where we'll win.

S.W.S.C: So Lee, what can we expect to see from Swindon over the next months?

Lee: We are a team that really raises our game for the big games. Like on Saturday, if we need to raise it, we raise it!

Supporters Player of the Month December...Jan Kostal

Since making his debut late November, Czech forward Jan Kostal has been tearing up the ice both home and away and making an impression across the league. Jan has racked up 16 goals and 9 assists in just 13 games. You, the fans have proclaimed your appreciation for his consistent dedication and skilled play by voting for him as your Player of the Month for December.

S.W.S.C member Ryan Keepence (front and centre) brought his whole family on the ice to present the trophy! Thanks Ryan. Great Job!

After the trophy was presented we caught up with Jan to find out a bit more about how he is settling in, scoring hat-tricks and winning the Supporters Player of the Month award.

Jan was very humbled to receive the award and sang the praises of his team mates and the part they play on the ice. He told us he was very lucky to be playing in Swindon as he has gelled so well with the team. 

'I have been very lucky when I shoot because I receive such good passes from the boys. In the beginning I was playing with Jonas (Hoog). Now I am playing on the second line with Henri (Sandvik). They are both typically the same. They make very good passes to score the goals. They are very good in corners.'

Jan has been making a big impression across the league, consistently featuring on the top ten goal scorers by game average. Every week we see teams putting more pressure on him, trying their best to alleviate the threat. Jan has not allowed himself to be intimidated by them. Instead he goes from strength to strength scoring hat-tricks and keeping his cool. So what's his secret?

'It's simple, you must go to the net. If you don't go to the net you won't score. If you don't score you put no pressure on the other team. Go to the net and play hard hockey in front of the net. It's good when the D are shooting and the goalie can't see anything!'

Jan has proven himself to be a valuable asset to a Swindon squad fighting their way to the play offs. He has won the respect of his team mates and the fans. Congratulations again to Jan, and thank you for voting for him your Player of the Month for December.

The People's Choice - Aku Pekkarinen

Since he first stepped out on the ice in September, D-man Aku Pekkarinen has been winning the hearts of many fans. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and drive to defend and work with his team through adversity and victory alike.  He was rewarded in December by you the fans when you chose to vote for him as your Player of the Month for November.

We sat down with him not long after he received his trophy to talk about winning the award and the importance of the fans for him and the team.

S.W.S.C: Congratulations on being voted as the Supporters Player of the Month.

Aku: I would like to say thanks to the fans. It's really nice to have fans, both at home games and away games. I respect that so many fans are coming to the away games too. It's a great feeling to have your own group cheering you. And the noise! I have a lot of time for these fans.

S.W.S.C: So, what do you think it is you did that made people vote for you?

Aku: I don't know. I just try to play my own game and help the team as much as possible. I just try to work hard and give everything, every night.

S.W.S.C: Do you think it is fair to say that the defence have had to work a bit harder this month?

Aku: Yeah, of course. We haven't won much games so that is always a lot of pressure. You just have to deal with the pressure and keep playing as hard as you can.

SWSC: What is the atmosphere like in the changing rooms at the moment? How are the team feeling?

Aku; It's a good atmosphere. Everyone is working hard and trying to get better. We've been really unlucky with some games and there are some injuries and stuff so, I think we are sometimes being pushed. That just makes us stronger for the rest of the year.

SWSC: So what would you say to the fans? Why do they need to stay behind and keep supporting the Wildcats?

Aku: It is so important to have our fans support in every game. It keeps you going.

****

The team have seen a lot of change of late, with change being the name of the game in the EPL this season. Kostal and Nell have brought back a more energetic style of play which with it pushes everyone to work harder. Speaking with Aku about the changes he said, 'You have to work to earn your place. The changes lately have been a little wake up call for the guys but, we have all played a long time and we know how it goes.'

'It doesn't matter who wins awards, it is about 20 guys working hard out there.'

This coming weekend see the Cats travel to Manchester to take on the Manchester Phoenix. The Phoenix have been sitting in the top three portion of the table so far this season and have proven a tough team for the Wildcats so far.  With this recent change has also come a distinct hike in confidence and positivity.

According to Aku, 'Guildford and Manchester are both good teams and it's nice to think we can compete with those.'

We wish the boys the best of luck on Sunday!