September 23, 2022

Ahead of the second weekend of Planet Ice NIHL National action, early pacesetters Swindon Wildcats – two wins, 15 goals scored and none conceded – added former GB and Coventry Blaze forward Russ Cowley to their ranks. The Wildcats have three in three this weekend, starting tonight at home to Basingstoke Bison (face off 7.30pm).

Player-coach Aaron Nell, who picked up his 1000th point in a Swindon shirt last Sunday in Sheffield, was understandably pleased with his team’s performances on opening weekend.

“We’ve had a great start, through pre-season and this first weekend,” Nell said.

“The players have been really good, four wins in pre-season and now two in the league. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.

“I was really pleased with the defensive effort, if you look after defence first then goals will come and that happened last week, particularly on Sunday in Sheffield.”

Friday’s visitors Basingstoke had a tough opening weekend, going winless against Peterborough and the Bees, but Nell isn’t taking them for granted.

“They will be looking to bounce back this weekend and it won’t be an easy game for us. Basingstoke have had a few changes this summer but they still have a strong British core and their imports are really good.

“Every team in this division will be a challenge, and our games against Basingstoke over the past couple of years have been really good. This weekend will be no different.”

The Wildcats have the luxury of being able to add forward Russ Cowley to their roster, and he will take his spot in the lineup on Friday night against a former team.

“Russ is a great player and a great person, we’re delighted to be able to bring him in,” said Nell of his newest recruit.

“His experience will be great, he’ll be a leader for us and help the younger players. He has had a great career and one of the best resumes of any player we’ve had and we are pleased he’s signed with us.”

You can watch Aaron’s interviews on the Basingstoke game and the Russ Cowley signing on the Swindon official YouTube channel Wildcats TV. Thanks to the Swindon Wildcats for their help with quotes for this article.

Elsewhere in the Planet Ice National Division this weekend, one of the other perfect winning records will fall at Leeds where the Knights host Peterborough Phantoms on Saturday. Milton Keynes Lightning welcome the Bees defending the other 2&0 record, while Bison and Wildcats have a quick turnaround in Hampshire. Hull Seahawks opening to their NIHL National life doesn’t get any easier as they travel to defending league champions Telford Tigers, while Sheffield Steeldogs and Raiders complete the Saturday schedule.

Sunday’s play has Bristol Pitbulls bring the Lightning to the Pound, Bees have Swindon on the third night of their triple header, while Hull and Telford play the second half of their home & home at the versatile Hull Arena. Raiders and Sheffield do battle again, this time at Sapphire Ice, and Peterborough welcome Leeds to Bretton.

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