NEW Swindon Wildcats signing Tomáš Kána has his eyes on trophies as he prepares to make his debut in tonight’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Manchester Phoenix.

The 27-year-old centre landed at Heathrow last night but is already looking forward to getting his skates on in front of the Link Centre crowd.

Despite not playing a competitive game for several weeks, the former Columbus Blue Jackets player believes he is fit to play having worked hard in the gym ahead of his arrival.

“I am pretty excited to be in Swindon because it is my first time in England and I want to play good hockey and I think Swindon is the best decision for me right now,” said Kána, speaking for the first time since signing.

“Swindon gave me a good offer and gave me everything I wanted and I decided on Swindon. I think I am ready to play (tonight) and I am looking forward to it.

“I am like everyone, I want to win the trophies and win the games with Swindon. That is why we are playing hockey because we want to win.”

Kána believes fellow countryman and former Karlovy Vary teammate Jan Kostal will play a big role in him settling in to life in the English Premier League.

The pair played with each other for 15 games back in the 2012/13 season in the Czech Republic and are likely to form a key partnership for the remainder of the season.

“We played together for a couple of months in the Czech Republic for Karlovy Vary and for sure he will help me,” added Kána.

“Every time you come to a new club and you have someone who speaks the same language and have played together before then I think it will make it easier for me to settle in Swindon.”

Kána, a second round pick in the 2006 NHL draft for St Louis Blues, completed his childhood dream in 2010 when he played six games in the NHL for Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Czech under 20 international now hopes that experience will help him when he plays for the Wildcats.

“Playing in the NHL was a dream come true. Every guy who plays hockey is dreaming about the NHL and I made it and it was the best time in my life,” he said.

“I have never played in England, but the NHL is the best league in the world and it was a very good experience.

“I think that experience will help me in England because it is quick hockey with a lot of body checks and that is what I prefer to play.

“Fans can expect from me hard work, a good job and to play a lot of body checks and I think I am good in (the) penalty kill.”