THE future is bright for British ice hockey according to new head coach Peter Russell.

The former Wildcats chief guided the GB under 20 side to gold at the World Champiopnships in Estonia last month and is hoping to use that knowledge to unearth some gems of the future.

“Over the last five years, the Under 20s have been pretty steady,” he said.

“They stayed up in a good pool and they came down last year due to an administration error and they popped straight back up.

“They’re in there against really good teams. France, Italy were in that group, and Kazakstan - top nations. And they did well in that group.

“For me, there are definitely some role players in that group and some shining lights that are really skilled players.

“As long as we can continue to develop those players after under 20 level then yes (the future is looking good), but it is very important that we all work together to make that happen.”

Meanwhile, Swindon Wildcats D-man Shane Moore is adamant the Link Centre is still a place to be feared ,despite it being the scene of the end of their lengthy winning streak.

Ryan Aldridge’s side missed out on claiming an 11th straight victory when they were beaten 3-1 at home by Guildford Flames on Saturday night.

Defeat to the Flames was just the second time the Cats have lost in front of their own fans in the last 10 fixtures at home.

And that fine record has made Moore confident that few opponents will fancy their chances of claiming the Cats’ scalp when they arrive at the Link Centre, including Manchester Phoenix this Saturday.

“Nothing changes in terms of people looking at us as an in-form team,” said Moore.

“Teams are still going to look at us and be a bit worried, especially when they come here to the Link Centre.

“Guildford may have won on Saturday night but we pushed them close and I think we deserved to win it.

“This is a great place to play and the fans are behind us ,and it’s definitely a place that people are going to fear coming to.”

In some ways, the Cats were the masters of their own downfall against Guildford, with Aldridge’s men having just Henri Sandvik’s early strike to show for their dominance in the first two periods.

Swindon fashioned out plenty of chances to extend their lead but were frustrated by an inspired display from Flames stopper James Hadfield, who pulled off a string of fine saves.

And Moore was quick to heap praise on the Guildford netminder, who was named man of the match at the Link Centre for his heroics.