TEENAGER Oliver Stone believes he has settled into the English Ice Hockey Premier League well following his promotion from the Okanagan Hockey Academy in the summer.

The season has seen the 18-year-old get far more ice time than he would’ve expected, following an injury to fellow D-man Callum Buglass, who dislocated his shoulder against Hull Pirates.

Despite the increase in responsibility, Stone is more than happy to play his part as he develops as a player.

“It’s been great. Obviously, the more I play the better I am going to get, which is better for the team because it’s making me a more confident player,” said the former Ridgeway School pupil.

“The main area I’ve improved in is moving the puck a bit quicker because compared to where I was last year, I don’t have as much time as I did.

“So just getting that first pass off a bit quicker and being a bit more confident on the puck is where I think I’ve improved.”

The youngster also said sitting next to and playing with more experienced players has made his transition to the senior team a smooth one.

“I feel I have adapted well to the level, I fit in with the other players and they make it easy and so does Aaron (Nell) because he is a great coach,” added Stone.

“You learn from players who are older and ones who have been around a lot longer, they have been amazing.

"The likes of Mark (Smith), who I have played a lot with, have helped me on and off the ice which has been good for me and my progress.”

The Wildcats go into tomorrow’s game against Peterborough off the back of two disappointing results last weekend at home to Basingstoke Bison and on the road to Sheffield Steeldogs.

“It was a frustrating weekend, Saturday was a tough game to play bin but I thought we battled hard," said Stone.

“Then Sunday wasn’t our best game, I think we could have worked a little bit harder but that is how it goes - we will try and do better next time.”