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Swindon Wildcats v Telford Tigers preview
The Swindon Wildcats kick-off their 2010/2011 English Premier League season with a home tie against Telford Tigers on Saturday night. The Wildcats and the Tigers have faced each other twice in pre-season, both games being extremely competive, and both sides will be hoping for a good start to the new season.
The teams played out a hard fought 4-4 draw at the Link Centre last Saturday, with Ryan Watt catching the eye with a brilliant performance. The two sides then met the next day in Shropshire, with the Wildcats winning the battle of the cats, Jozef Liska grabbing a hat-trick in a 5-3 victory.
Telford return to the league after a year out determined to make up for lost time. Player/coach Tom Watkins has had to work on a tight budget to assemble a new look squad, including highly rated Canadian Chris Allen. Marek Hornak also returns to the Tigers roster, and Watkins will be hoping the Slovakian can produce the goods.
Expectations are high around Swindon this year and their fans will hope the side do not repeat the start they endured last season. Head Coach Ryan Aldridge has been busy over the summer improving the squad, and has pulled off some real coups in the form of Toivo Suursoo, Jozef Liska, Jan Melichar and Cardiff Devils legend Jason Stone. The Wildcats have been impressive in pre-season and will be hoping to challenge the play-offs this time around.
Swindon Wildcats Key Man: Jozef Liska:
Jozef Liska was signed from to Partizan in the Serbian League to bolster the Cats forward line, and if the Wildcats are to have a successful season, much relies on Liska to put the puck in the back of the net on a regular basis. The Slovakian has been impressive in pre-season netting 4 goals and fans will be hoping he can take that kind of form into Saturday's game.
Telford Tigers Key Man: Chris Allen:
The Tigers like the look of this vastly experienced d-man and believe Allen will be a vital influence on the blue-line this season. The Canadian played briefly for Coventry and Edinburgh last season, so Coach Watkins will have seen him in action and knows what Allen can bring to the table. As well as a solid defender, this guy has a powerful shot, so can also contribute offensively when needed.
Prediction:
The Cats have been impressive in pre-season and will be hoping to get off to a flying start at the Link on Saturday. But the Tigers are no pussy cats and proved that when they played at the Link a week ago. Telford will give it their best shot, but with the home fans behind them from the off, the Wildcats will power to a 6-2 victory.
Tickets can be purchased for the game which faces off at 5.45pm and is sure to be well attended from the Box Office on 01793 885857, from the Link Centre or online at www.swindonwildcats.com.
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-3 |
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-5 |
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
1-4 |
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-4 |
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| 11th March 2006 19:00 | ||
2-4 |
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| 11th March 2006 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
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5-8 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-2 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
3-7 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
1-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
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- Watt stays a Wildcat
- Cats ask for Moore of the same
- Swindon prepare for playoff victory pursuit
- Swindon wrap up season with superb seven
- Swindon see out final home fixture with 8
