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!