SWINDON Wildcats’ Jan Kostal admits the pressure will be on his side next term to secure silverware after penning a new one-year deal with the club.

With the Wildcats having been accepted into the National Ice Hockey League Division One South at the weekend, last season’s skipper understands that they will be there to be shot down by the clubs already plying their trade at that level.

However, that is a challenge that the Czech Republic national is relishing and said there was no concern when it came to signing a new deal with the club he calls his second home.

“I’m very happy that I have signed for the Swindon Wildcats,” the 37-year-old, who has been handed the skipper’s armband again, told the Adver.

“I have been here a long time and I like the club and I like the town, so it was an easy decision.

“I don’t think the change in leagues had any impact on my decision because ice hockey is still the same.

“I do not think this is a step back.

“We will be under pressure because we are coming from a higher level and we’ll have a target on our back but I think that will be good for us and I like this type of pressure.

“If we play very hard every game, we can be successful and we need to be able to get on some winning streaks.

“The important thing is to have a good start to the league.”

Having had time to reflect on last season, Kostal admitted he was disappointed with the club’s inability to make the play-off final weekend but hopes that the blooding of young Brits like Ollie Stone and Ben Nethersell will hold the club in good stead moving forward.

“We started last season really well but then we picked up some injuries and that had an impact,” he added.

“I was disappointed that we didn’t make it to the weekend in Coventry. That was my personal target.

“We were low on players but it was a good chance for the younger players to get good ice time and it was good experience for these guys.

“I was playing half of the season on D, with Ollie (Stone) and Ben (Nethersell) and I was like a father figure for them.

“I have a good feeling from this because I could give my experience to these guys and they could watch me on the ice and see how I solve problems.”