Swindon Wildcats
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Swindon npower Wildcats | ||
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League: | EPIHL | |
Founded: | 1986 | |
Home Ice: | Link Centre | |
Capacity: | 1250 | |
Ice Size: | 184ft x 85ft | |
City: | ||
Colours: |
White, Teal, and Grey |
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Captain: |
Wayne Fiddes |
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Head Coach: |
Peter Russell |
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Ownership: |
Private Limited Company (Swindon Wildcats Limited) |
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Website: |
Swindon npower Wildcats are an Ice Hockey team; they were originally formed with this name in 1986 as a council-operated venture before being privatised in the early 90s. Changes in ownership led to a name change for the 1996/97 season (Swindon IceLords). Subsequent owners in a short period of time saw several different clubs play out of the Swindon rink, including Swindon Chill (1998-2000), Swindon Phoenix (2000-2001) and Swindon Lynx (2001-2004).
Former player Steve Nell, referee Mark Thompson, and encumbent volunteers secured the operation of the team in 2004, immediately reverting the club to their original name much to the delight of the resurgent fan-base.
In the 2007/08 season, the Wildcats came 7th in the league, meaning they advanced into the Playoffs. Unfortunately, they failed to advance to the Finals weekend in Coventry, coming third in their group. Their star forward, Joel Petkoff, chose not to resign at seasons end, looking to advance his career in Europe, signing for EC Peiting of the German Oberliga.
Sponsored by national energy company, RWE npower plc, the npower Wildcats compete in the English Premier Ice Hockey League.
[edit] Confirmed Roster for 2008/09 Season
COACHING STAFF
HC Peter Russell
GOALTENDERS
-- Ladislav Kudrna ( Joined from Elite UK Hull Stngrays)
FORWARDS 11 Matthew Davies(Re-signed) 16 Lee Richardson (Re-signed) 25 John Wheaton (Re-signed) -- Aaron Nell (Joining from NAHL Kenai River Brown Bears) -- Nicky Watt (Joining from EPL Wightlink Raiders) -- Ryan Watt (Joining from EPL Bracknell Bees) -- Ivan Racek (Joining from Hockey Club Nitra in the Extraliga League)
DEFENDERS 55 Michael Farn (Re-signed) -- Euan Forsyth (Joining from EPL Chelmsford Chieftains)