Czech duo hope to bring success to Swindon

SWINDON, UK – Wildcats coach Ryan Aldridge is confident two of his summer signings can help his team improve on last year’s playoff qualification. Jaroslav Cesky and Michal Pinc joined Swindon over the summer after leaving the Bracknell Bees. Aldridge said, “I was very impressed with the season they had two years ago at Bracknell. They were two of the best players in the league. If they can keep up the chemistry they have shown they will fit in well. “Sometimes with the import players from Eastern Europe, you don’t know what you’re getting. But with these two, they have proven how well they play together and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the same.” Swindon comfortably qualified for last season’s playoffs before falling to eventual playoff winners, Guildford. Aldridge’s side are building a reputation as giant killers after leaving the Guildford Spectrum with a thrilling 3-2 win on New Year’s Day against the Flames. This follows the Cats shocking playoff win over the Milton Keynes Lightning the previous season. Cesky and Pinc are joined at Swindon by former Bees teammates Nicky Watt and Shane Moore. The Czech duo are likely to start the season on the same line. Aldridge added, “I think it was mutual really between them wanting to move on and the Bees. I think they wanted a new challenge and were both interested in playing together again on the same line.” Swindon’s English Premier League season gets up and running against the Sheffield Steeldogs on September 23. Aldridge’s side cannot wait to get back on the ice. “I think we put too much pressure on ourselves last year. This season will be better I think. We know we can’t take a night off and we have to take every game as it comes,” Aldridge said. With so many changes taking place across the league, Aldridge is under no illusion how tough this season will be on his improved side. “I think the league will be much more competitive this season. Guildford and Manchester are always going to be really good. The Steeldogs have improved a lot, as have a lot of the teams near the bottom of the league last season. I think the league has become the most entertaining of all the leagues in England.” Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com