With the country witnessing record temperatures, not many people will be thinking about winter sports! In fact, many local residents may not even be aware that less that 30 minutes away we have one of the countries leading ice hockey clubs.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Swindon Wildcats. Playing at the Link Centre in West Swindon, the team owned by former player Steve Nell and coached by his son Aaron won the National Ice Hockey League championship last season.
The league is the second tier, with the Elite league the top tier. As with rugby union, there isn’t promotion and relegation between the leagues at present. With membership based on sustainability. The Elite league teams have bigger arenas such as Nottingham and Sheffield with 5,000+ capacities. The National league has teams that have 1,500 – 2,000 capacities.
Nonetheless, the standard of the league and particularly the Wildcats last season, is very impressive.
As a nation, we are improving at winter sports, with 5 medals won at this year’s Winter Olympics. Whilst our ice hockey team hasn’t ever qualified for the tournament, ice hockey is a growing sport. Nationally attendances were up year on year and the Wildcats had their highest ever attendances last season, regularly selling out.
It may be a surprise, but ice hockey is the most popular indoor sport in the UK.
Aaron Nell has been player/coach for several seasons, scoring over 500 points for the Wildcats, he along with an eclectic mix of 5 imports, experienced GB players and some great local talent, have brought unparalleled success to his home town team.
Aaron has been at the club for 17 years after spells in the Elite league with Coventry and Sheffield. He retired from playing at the end of the season and will concentrate on his coaching role full time next season.
Speaking to him after winning the title, Aaron was full of praise for his players and said it was the highlight of his playing career.
“It’s the first time we’ve won the title as a national league, it was a brilliant season. We had a little wobble towards the end of the season, but fortunately other teams wobbled a little more than us. And to actually win the league by beating the second place team was a very special night and the players really enjoyed themselves.”
When I asked him how ending his playing career, with the ultimate prize he said.
“It’s very satisfying, we’ve been building this for 2 or 3 years and this team has really come together over the last 12 months. We signed some key players and our goal was always to win the league this season.”
And win they did in style.
The new season starts in September and will be catching up soon with Aaron to hear how preparations are progressing.
Ice Hockey and the Swindon Wildcats coverage can be found in the ‘Sport’ drop-down menu
Teaching Assistant Vacancy, with an MDSA role – Ramsbury Primary School
