DEFENCEMAN Ben Nethersell says the Swindon Wildcats have an all-purpose defensive core ahead of next season.

The 20-year-old iced on 31 occasions last season, recording 12 points, as he competed alongside the experienced trio if Stevie Whitfield, Sam Godfrey and Neil Liddiard, as well as youngsters Ollie Stone and Joe Hazeldine.

So far, the Wildcats have renewed the services of Whitfield, Godfrey and Liddiard, in addition to the acquisition of Tyler Plews as Stone headed out the exit door.

After his re-signing was announced by the club on Thursday, Nethersell believes each of the D-men bring something different to the table, thus making the Cats ready for all scenarios next term.

“I would say that all the D-men that have signed so far are very talented,” said Nethersell.

“That means Aaron (Nell, player-coach) should be able to play all of us in different situations. We have a very strong D core and that will be tough for other teams.

“Throughout my whole career I have been more offensive but I have had to adapt since coming up from juniors and play slightly more defensive.

“Now I’m hoping that because I am more experienced, I can try to be even more offensive for the Wildcats next season.

“Defensively as a team we are very steady. I’m hoping with my offensive mind next year we can turn defence into counter attacks.”

The Okanagan Hockey Academy product also revealed it was an easy decision to return to the Link Centre, especially after their cup double last season.

With a change in league format also taking place during the summer 12 months ago, Nethersell says he is looking forward to adding to the groundwork he and the rest of the team put in last term.

“It was a very easy decision to come back. When speaking to Aaron I was excited about building on the success of last year and having an even better 2018-19 season,” he added.

“I feel like last year with the change in leagues nobody really knew what to expect. I’ve learnt that competing is one of the most important things and that is what I am prepared to do next season.

“I have already started training off the ice and hopefully I’ll be back on the ice mid to late July.

“Next season most importantly I want to win silverware. The league is the toughest to win in my opinion so that would be great to win.

“Personally, as long as I have a consistently good season defensively and chip in with some points I would be happy.”