SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell admits he could have lost an eye after his horrific facial injury but has promised to return to the ice before the end of the season.

Nell was struck by a high stick during the Cats’ 7-4 win away at Sheffield Steeldogs last Sunday and he was rushed to hospital after sustaining a nasty cut to his face.

The Swindon chief says he was fortunate to have avoided even more damage by the incident and only his helmet saved him from losing an eye.

The injury ruled Nell out of this weekend’s fixtures, with the Cats losing 5-4 at Peterborough Phantoms last night having triumphed 3-2 at home to Guildford Flames on Saturday.

Nell is due to have more treatment on the cut early this week and could even return to action as early as Wednesday’s clash at home to Milton Keynes Lightning.

“I got very lucky, if I didn’t wear my helmet like I do, then I probably would have lost an eye,” said Nell.

“We have seen the video and it’s stupid. How the guy didn’t get a penalty is a bit of a joke.

“People chirp me around the league about how I wear my visor, but if I don’t wear it like that, I lose an eye. That was the scary bit of it all.

“I’m fine. I am just waiting for the swelling to go down and get a few more check-ups at the hospital.

“I will be back before the end of the season. I get my stitches out on Tuesday so we will see. Maybe I’ll be back on Wednesday, or maybe at the weekend.”