The 24/25 season starts on Friday with the Swindon Wildcats facing off against the newly named Berkshire Bees.


The Wildcats have just come off the back of winning all four pre-season games whilst the Bees faced narrow defeats last weekend to the MK Lightning.


The Bees had a solid season last year, finishing in a play-off spot and caused many upsets, particularly on their home ice against MK & Hull.


There were some stand-out performers for the Bees last season with Dominik Gabaj and Marcel Balaz creating one of the best partnerships in the NIHL. Gabaj was one of seven players in the league to score over 100 points with Balaz scoring 51 goals.


The Bees have made a few changes on and off the ice. The off-ice news is that they will partner with the Streatham RedHawks therefore, they have many young players on two-ways this season.


Player-coach Gabaj also elected to go with an import netminder in Max Wright. Max is 25 years old and moved over to the Bees after spending four seasons in the USports playing for Lakehead Univ.


However, a few Bees players have moved on including Ed Bradley who made a move to the Wildcats this off season. The 23 year old scored 5 points last weekend in the pre-season double against Bristol.


The Wildcats got the better of the Bees last season winning five of the six games but the Bees will be looking to change that this season.


One To Watch:


Swindon Wildcats: Jake Bricknell: The new Canadian has been on fire in pre-season scoring six goals in four games. He has been a big physical presence on the team after moving to Swindon from the ECHL. He has also had a season in the Elite League for the Manchester Storm where he picked up 17 points. He will be a player to watch on Friday.


Berkshire Bees: Max Wright: The new import netminder is one of three to come into the league this season meaning there will be many eyes on him throughout 24/25. His stand-out season in the USports was 22/23 where he got a 0.920 save percentage in 13 games. With the Bees losing a few big defensemen, Max will be a huge piece to the defensive core this season.


Make sure to get your tickets and support the Wildcats on Friday for their first game of the season. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy the best sport in the world.


Doors open at 18:30 with face off starting at 19:30.


Tickets – Tickets – Swindon Wildcats