THE Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats have announced netminder Dean Skinns will not be returning to the club next season.

Skinns often featured as back up to regular stopper, Renny Marr but still played 22 times last season and generated a save percentage of .843 while conceding an average of 4.28 goals per game.

The 38-year-old spent the past two campaigns at the Link Centre and has played for many second-tier outfits such as Milton Keynes Lightning, Bracknell Bees, and his hometown Basingstoke Bison.

Skinns also played 62 for the Wildcats between 2011-13 in a brief spell away from the Bison.

But as head coach Aaron Nell shapes his squad for what he hopes to be a more successful 2023-24 NIHL season, Skinns will not be a part of those plans.

Announcing the news in a tweet, the Wildcats said: "The Wildcats can confirm that Dean Skinns will not be returning to the club for the 23/24 NIHL season.

"We’d like to thank Dean for all his hard work and commitment over the last couple of years and wish him well moving forward."

A handful of fans replied with messages of gratitude for Skinns. Annette Duffy said: "So sorry to hear this.

"Dean is a great netminder and I loved watching him play. Thanks Dean, good luck to you and your family. I’ll miss you."

Skinns is not thought to be retiring, with Solent Sharks of NIHL South Division One a possible destination for the experienced netminder.