COREY McEwen will not be returning to the Swindon Wildcats for next season after the club confirmed his departure from the Link Centre.

McEwen arrived in Wiltshire to much expectation after several years playing in Canada but the forward failed to consistently reach his full potential and registered just 17 points in 52 appearances for the Cats.

A lengthy injury around the turn of the year did not help McEwen’s cause and he found himself down player-coach Aaron Nell’s pecking order once he returned to full fitness.

Although the 23-year-old showed much promise early on, Nell conceded that the gamble to bring McEwen over to the UK did not quite pay off.

“We didn’t really talk much at the end of the year and I think he was happy to move on,” said Nell.

“He had a great start to the season and was a really big part of our team but just after Christmas he got an injury and that held him back a bit.

“It was niggling him for a while and when he was out other people came in and did a really good job and it was hard to get him back in.

“He didn’t play the year before and this was his first season playing men’s hockey and it didn’t quite work out. It’s difficult but that’s hockey.

“It’s a shame, he was a good player and we liked him here and he goes on with all our best wishes. I think he has a team next year and I am sure he will do well for them.”