SAM Bullas has been named as one of the two alternate captains at Swindon Wildcats for the upcoming campaign.

The forward takes over the role from Lee Richardson following his departure from the Link Centre earlier this summer.

Bullas joined the Cats at the start of the 2009-10 season from Elite League outfit Nottingham Panthers and has iced more than 380 games for Swindon.

Now having been handed his new role on the roster, Bullas completes the leadership team with skipper Jan Kostal and fellow alternate captain Neil Liddiard.

Cats player-coach Aaron Nell said: “We knew we had to replace Lee as an ‘A’ and whilst we had many options, I thought Sam would be the best fit.

“Sam is probably our most popular player, everyone loves him and the work he does on and off the ice for hockey in Swindon is second to none.

“He is a huge part of the team on and off the ice, and he leads from the front with his heart on his sleeve.

“That is exactly what we have from Jan, Neil and now Sam. They all come to play every night and all get the team going. Sam will be the perfect person to wear the ‘A’ and it is a well-deserved achievement for him.”

Bullas added: “It’s a massive privilege to be named as an alternate captain for next season. I probably know the club as well as anyone apart from Aaron and the Nells.

“Working with the club has allowed me to give back to the Wildcats and I hope the fans realise how passionate I am about the Wildcats.

“I want to win something, I’ve been here for nine years now and I’m not just here to be a part of it.

“I’m very honoured to have been asked to wear the ‘A’ and I hope I can be the kind of guy people look up to in the locker room and the plan is to lead them on the ice from my first shift on game one and then every shift for the new season.”

Meanwhile, the Wildcats will be holding their 2017-18 season launch day on Sunday with an open training session taking place at the Link Centre from 1.45pm.