A HANDFUL of Swindon Wildcats’ young recruits joined up with the Great Britain Under 20s squad ahead of the new season on Sunday.

New signings Owen Griffiths and netminder Jordan Hedley were joined by Callum Buglass, Michael Stratford and Toms Rutkis at the Dumfries Ice Bowl for the first get-together of the squad.

The five players attended the opening day-long trial and were put through a series of drills in front of the GB U20s coaches.

“The trials were really enjoyable, despite there being a few guys missing,” Buglass told the Cats’ official website.

“The tempo was good and the morning ice session was always going to be a tough one as there were a lot of guys out there who haven’t played with each other before, so you didn’t quite know some of the other players’ style.

“The second session produced a lot more flow and the speed picked up a bit, as more passes were coming off, so I think everyone here got a lot out of the day.

“It was also good to get on the ice with a few of the Cats boys and it was good to catch up with them before the season gets underway.”

The second and final trial will be held in Nottingham on Saturday, August 22.