THE prospect of challenging for silverware was the deciding factor in Renny Marr putting pen to paper on a deal with the Swindon Wildcats.

The 19-year-old has left Elite League side Coventry Blaze, where he was backup netminder to Brian Stewart, to join the Link Centre club, having been courted by Aaron Nell.

And while Swindon will be competing in the National League South next term, the Scot, who has represented Great Britain at U20 level, says he could not turn down the chance to add some trophies to his collection.

“I’m happy to have had Aaron give me a call and ask me to come and play for Swindon and I’m really looking forward to the start of the season,” he said.

“After speaking to Aaron, he explained how the organisation worked and how professional it was and he mentioned that the team he was putting together was going to be challenging for winning the cup and winning the league.

“That is exciting and to have him come after me and ask for my signature was quite flattering and I had to jump at the opportunity for that.”

Marr played seven times for Blaze last term, with a saves-to-shot percentage of 0.849, and it was that lack of regular ice time that spurred him to look for a move this summer to make a name for himself.

“That’s the long-term plan,” he added.

“I was in Coventry for two years and it feels like I have done a two-year apprenticeship there, just practising every day and getting better.

“I wasn’t getting an opportunity to play every week. There were a couple times when our goalie was injured or we were losing and I got some mop-up time.

“Even just to get a couple of games, especially towards the end of the season, I feel like I progressed a lot more.

“But, to get to the next level, I have to be playing every week and still facing good shots and I feel like playing for Swindon is going to give me that best opportunity to step back up to the Elite League and be a starter.”

However, Marr has big gloves to fill as he steps in for the departed Stevie Lyle as the Cats number one but is not feeling the pressure.

“Stevie is a Great Britain legend and over time he has proved to be a really good goalie,” Marr said.

“I wouldn’t say I am filling his boots, or gloves, but I’d really like to try and emulate what Stevie did and that was give his team the chance to win games and hopefully push for the play-offs or winning the league, or whatever the case may be.”