SWINDON Wildcats’ Sam Bullas says that he can’t wait to overcome his ankle injury and get back on the ice before his team are done for the year.

This weekend’s double-header with Basingstoke Bison marks the end of the regular season for the Wildcats, who will then prepare for the 2017 play-off campaign.

Bullas has been out of action since he picked up an ankle injury during Swindon’s 2-1 overtime win against MK Lightning in early February.

The 26-year-old has been frustrated by his time on the sidelines but says he won’t rush the final stages of his recovery.

“It’s taken a bit longer than we had hoped. I’m just taking my time and it is just rest, which is the biggest problem with these kind of injuries,” he said.

“I’m taking my time and testing it out every week. We have great physiotherapists, who are looking after me, so hopefully it will be ready in the next couple of weeks.

“It’s frustrating watching your team playing and not being able to help them out. I want to be out there as quickly as possible.”

Despite his injury, player-coach Aaron Nell has re-signed Bullas for next season, a deal which will take him into his ninth consecutive year at the Link Centre.

Bullas, who has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 41 appearances this season, first arrived in 2009 and says it was a quick and easy decision to decision to commit for next term.

“I’m obviously over the moon. The ice is my second home. I know everyone down here and I am very comfortable,” added Bullas “I’ve said it every year – I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else, so I am happy to be back for another season.

“I’m part of the furniture now.”

Bullas also praised the professionalism of his club and claims it was one of the main reasons he extended his stay.

He said: “It’s the way we are looked after; they provide us with a house and every year, it is unbelievable. Everything we need is here. It must be the most professional club in the EPL.

“Steve and Aaron (Nell) make sure everyone is looked after and every year I have been here, I have been looked after.

“For me, it is a privilege to play here. I know a lot of the fans and all the background staff, so it has become my second home.”