SWINDON Wildcats D-man Stevie Whitfield harbours ambitions of winning a trophy after penning a two-year deal with the Link Centre outfit.

The 25-year-old from Swindon is heading into his ninth season with the club having come up from the youth ranks.

Whitfield becomes the fifth player to be added to the Wildcats roster and said it was a no-brainer when player-coach Aaron Nell looked to secure his services.

“I’m really happy to be back,” he told the Adver.

“It was quite a quick conversation with Aaron, as it normally is, and then they offered me the two years, which was great.

“I have been here for a long time and enjoy playing here and I want to be part of the club moving forward.

“Being a local lad, it feels like it matters more and if I went somewhere else I am not sure if it would hurt as much when you lose or be as good when you win.

“I enjoy being part of the local team and representing the club’s junior system.”

Swindon finished sixth last year in what was a turbulent campaign but Whitfield is confident that they can get back on track and continue their steady progress in the English Premier Ice Hockey League.

“Aaron mentioned what he was looking to do with the team and I am quite excited to get going again,” he added.

“We have been on a steady growth to where we want to be and last year we underachieved as a team for the first time.

“I suppose you have to look at what other teams do and what the final team looks like but we will be looking to improve on what we have been doing.

“Long term, I just want to win something in Swindon. Whether that is next year, the year after or whenever, only time will tell.

“We just need to find that consistency and I think that is what Aaron will look to do and I hope I will be a part of that as well.”