TEENAGER Jordan Kelsall marked his return to the ice for Swindon Wildcats with a confidence boosting goal against Bracknell on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, who was thought to be sidelined for the rest of the season after picking up a leg injury in January, recovered quicker than expected and wasted little time in registering his name on the scoresheet.

Max Birbraer fed Kelsall the puck during Cats’ first powerplay of the second period.

A quick turn and shoot fooled Bees netminder Alex Mettam as Kelsall earned the biggest cheer of the night from a packed grandstand.

Speaking after the game, Kelsall said: “It was a perfect return.

“I got some good ice time and bagged a goal which was a bonus.

“Max fed me in the middle, I turned and shot. To be honest I never expected it to go in. But it does it doesn’t matter.”

Kelsall’s injury occurred after being hit by a puck during a training session and after icing for the first time in nearly eight weeks, the injury is holding up well.

He said: “The injury feels good. I don’t feel as sharp as before, but it feels fine.

“The time off was frustrating but I got back to work on thing you can’t do during the seasons.

“It’s important to take the positives out of the situation.”

The Wildcats are back in action this Friday evening as they travel to Basingstoke for the first leg of their Autumn Cup final against the Bison.

The match was postponed last Friday because of the snow and the return leg will take place at the Link Centre next Friday (March 16).

n THE Link Centre-based Okanagan Hockey UK Academy is taking applications for the forthcoming 2018-19 season.

The Academy has brought through several players to go on and play for the Wildcats and head Paul Kelsall said: “Our programme includes education, hockey, off-ice strength and conditioning, mental training, personal and team development.’’ For more information, email paul.kelsall@hockeyschools.co.uk or by calling +44 07876 404735