A SHARED ambition to win national silverware made Tyler Plews’ decision to move south and join Swindon Wildcats a simple one.

The 20-year-old Scot, who joined Wildcats from former Elite League side Edinburgh Capitals in the summer, made no secret of his ambition to help Aaron Nell’s men replicate the heroics of last season – during which the Wildcats won the Autumn Trophy and National Cup.

Plews’ move to Wiltshire marks his first time playing hockey away from his familiar Scottish surroundings having for Fife Falcons, Kirkcaldy Kestrals and Edinburgh Capitals from 2012 onwards.

And it’s a challenge he’s looking forward to having played with or against several of the Wildcats roster before.

He said: “I took a few months off before getting back into the gym and hockey routine.

“Ice time is hard to come by in Scotland because all the ice pads got lifted, though I had a few skates before I came down. It’s been a good summer.

“Everything I heard about the team, from the professionalism and how it’s run really appealed to me, it was something I wanted to be a part of.

“I want to be part of a team that has a winning mentality, so I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

One big change that the right-shooter will have to adapt to is the dramatic shift in rink size.

Home to one of the biggest rinks in British ice hockey, Edinburgh proved to be a pass and move rink for Plews – who can expect increased levels of physicality on home ice this season.

Despite this, Plews insists skating at different rinks will not be a problem for him – adding that he’s instead looking forward to his new challenge.

He said: “A few rinks in the Elite League are quite small. It’s a different rink in Swindon compared to Edinburgh but that won’t be a problem.

“Hockey is improving, you can see that more people are showing an interest.

“I played with a few of the lads for Great Britain before and against some too. I know the guys, but it has been nice to mix with them socially.

“We climbed (the) Sugar Loaf in (the Brecon Beacons) Wales on Saturday, which was hard but good fun.

“Looking at the team, we have a lot of good players and skilful guys.

“Everyone will have their own role at the club.

“I’ve heard both Streatham and Bracknell are two tough teams, it’s still pre-season but you want to win them to lay down a marker.”

Wildcats get their season started with challenge matches against Bracknell Bees at home on Saturday (6.15pm) and away on Sunday (6pm).

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