EXPERIENCED defenceman Neil Liddiard admits an improvement in quality across the National Ice Hockey League means Swindon Wildcats can take little for granted ahead of the upcoming season.

The 40-year-old, who helped Wildcats lift both the Autumn Cup and National Trophy towards the end of last season, is preparing for his fourth successive – and eighth overall – campaign at the Link Centre.

Ice hockey in the UK has witnessed a dramatic increase in popularity in recent years and that upward curve is being matched by quality on the ice, according to Liddiard.

He said: “We had a good team last year, but we had to make a few changes. I think we’ve improved again this year.

“But a lot of other teams have improved as well, I think it will be a different league this term. I think most teams are capable of beating each other, but I think we’ll be okay.

“It’s now my fourth year back, it’s a really well-run club and I don’t want to play anywhere else.

“I enjoy playing defence and I won’t be changing the way that I play now. Sometimes it’s not the most rewarding role, but somebody has to do the job and I’m happy to do so.

“Hockey isn’t just about scoring goals – you have to prevent the opposition from getting as many chances on goal as possible.

“I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.”

Liddiard will once again be under the instruction of Wildcats netminder Renny Marr, who moved to Wiltshire after acting as Brian Stewart’s number two at Coventry Blaze in the Elite League for two seasons.

The former Great Britain skater revealed he is pleased to have Marr back onboard, adding his vocal instructions on the ice help the Wildcats’ positional work during play.

He said: “Renny (Marr) slotted into the team really well last season.

“He’s a solid goaltender and is quite vocal between the pipes, which is important as a defenceman to have your netminder talking to you.

“He’s a good goalie that enjoyed a solid campaign last year, hopefully he can improve on that this year.”

“The interest in hockey is growing, and I think that interest will grow again this season – especially after the success Team GB enjoyed in the World Championships.

“It’s about getting that exposure, which is always hard for hockey because it will naturally fall behind football and rugby.

“It’s always nice to get back out on the ice and feel the puck on your stick again.”