Last Sunday the Swindon Wildcats travelled to a Guildford Flames side who by the end of the evening, would deny them a four point weekend and consequently take a win on home ice. It was not long before the first talking point arose in the game and shortly after the first puck drop, Swindon's Jozef Liska was to be caught up in the Guildford zone and be hit in what led to the import being stretchered up in fear of another back injury. Although having to deal with the blow of an import short, Swindon were not to let it affect them and before long broke the deadlock through player/coach Ryan Aldridge. Wrong footing netminder Lee led to the travelling side putting up a first however it was not long before the Flames equalised to tie the game and round off the period through Hemmings.

The second period then kept up the high pace in action with Guildford netminder Lee putting up a great butterfly save before Masa and Rempel both then scored to give the home side a 3-1 lead and close out a period that saw the home side push forward throughout them middle twenty.

Nine minutes into the final period and Guildford were to use some home advantage as Matt Towe would put up a fourth before two shorthanded efforts would then be finished, the first by Rempel with Towe then picking up his second of the evening also. It was clear a poor powerplay late in the third cost Swindon a few goals this night but having picked up two points already this weekend and getting a glimpes of what may well be their playoff draw opponents, more may be taken from this game from just the knowledge of a loss.

Final Score: Guildford Flames: 6 - 1 Swindon Wildcats

Man of the Match: GUI - Towe / SWI - Hayes

Scott Gummerson - Press Officer
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Last Saturday the Swindon Wildcats overcame a Basingstoke Bison side, when the two met in a fixture that was eventually settled in a dramatic shootout. After the Bison took the lead early in the second period through a Matty Davies backhand, veteran forward Steve Moria then made it two on a powerplay effort.

Despite having to sit on 0-2 scoreline going in after the middle period, Swindon were quick to correct their mistakes when import Jozef Liska slotted home a 5 hole shot  with a just over minute gone in the third. Basingstoke were the next to notch another after the Bison's Kieras saw his rapid shot slam in for a third only to see the Wildcat's come back with an instant reply as import Jan Melichar put up a second. Despite Basingstoke's Bronnimann and Lauko linking up for a fourth, it did not discourage the travelling 'Cats who then kept themselves in it with yet another effort from defenseman Jan Melichar to leave the score at 4-3. At 53:04 the Wildcats pressure eventually paid off for a tying goal when Joe Baird saw his shot travel high and beat netminder Skinns who did all could to stop it. It left just five minutes for the two to find a defining goal however as the two cancelled each other out it left an overtime period for a winner to be found. Just like that the crowd saw overtime come and go as both sides had chances and with the sound of the buzzer, a shootout was to be played.

Maybe one of the longest shootouts in recent games saw in total 5 players from each side step up with the first round seeing both Matty Davies and Jonas Hoog score for their sides. Forwards Moria and Liska both saw their shots saved before Kubenko and Swindon's James Knight then both joined the players to be shut out. It looked to be over when the home sides' Oli Bronnimann scored 5 hole past netminder Hadfield, however when import Egidijus Bauba scored high over the glove of Skinns, the game led to a fifth round. With Hadfield consequently saving a shot from import Ondrej Lauko, it fell to Swindon's Jan Melichar to settle the game who with a simple shot found the back of the net and with it earned his side a second point and the 'W' for the game's win.
A good win on the road adds to recent top performances by the 'Cats who now face Guildford on Sunday, in a game that should see two teams that are not afraid of scoring do battle.

Final Score: Basingstoke Bison 4-4 (2-3 in SO) Swindon Wildcats

Man of the Match: BAS - Callum / SWI - Richardson

Scott Gummerson - Press Officer
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This weekend the Swindon Wildcats will take to the road as they face back-to-back away fixtures over the two day period. On Saturday evening the 'Cats will take a trip up the M4 as they face the Basingstoke Bison, with both looking to improve on recent scores and collect further points ahead of the playoffs. The Bison themselves have lost 7 out of their last 8 games leading up the fixture and with Swindon putting in some good performances despite losing out on the scoreboard, this game may well see both sides hold nothing back as they both look for the win.
Looking to Sunday and Swindon will then jump back on the bus to travel to Guildford, as they look to take on the Flames for the last time in the regular season. With the two looking as if they may well draw one another in the end of season playoffs, this game may be used not only to analyse the opposition but also send a message before the two meet again. It will undoubtedly be a tough weekend the Wildcats but with many seeing the team improve as the weeks go by, Swindon may well through in an upset as they look to continue good on ice performances before the playoff fixtures commence.

Wildcat's Andrew Steele-Davis caught up with Captain Lee Richardson after the Slough game to discuss goal scoring, confidence and who he would prefer to face in the Play-Offs.

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Swindon Wildcat's Andrew Steele-Davis talked to Head Coach Ryan Aldridge after the 4-3 defeat to rivals Slough Jets. Aldy discussed injury's, his best season yet and hitting top form.

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Swindon Wildcat's Andrew Steele-Davis caught up with Assistant Coach Simon Anderson after his side's unlucky 4-3 defeat to top of the table Manchester Phoenix on Saturday Night. Simon talked about performances, injury's and young star Jordan Smith.

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