Wildcats come from behind to power past Jets (From Swindon Advertiser)

Wildcats come from behind to power past Jets

10:39pm Friday 30th December 2011 in Ice Hockey By Andrew Warren

SWINDON Wildcats came from behind to secure a much-needed 4-2 victory over high flying Slough Jets at the Link Centre last night.

Wildcats were beaten 6-1 by Basingstoke Bison in their last home outing, which forced head coach Ryan Aldridge to demand a reaction from his players - and he got one.

Jarislav Cesky grabbed two goals while Jonas Hoog and Michal Pinc scored one each to secure the victory.

The scores remained level at the end of a hectic first period, but after only 36 seconds of the next phase, Ryan Watt powered into the zone and managed to get a quick shot away to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Cats responded well, though, and pushed forward impressively before a Sam Bullas pass allowed Hoog to fire home with the Jets’ netminder sprawled out on the ice.

Cats took the lead for the first time with only ten seconds left in the second period, as Czech forward Cesky powered home a rebound following good work from Pinc and Nicky Watt.

Pinc got in on the act himself to add a simple third with eight minutes to go as Wildcats took advantage of a powerplay, but Sheppard grabbed one back for the Jets as he bundled in a second with time ticking down.

Slough threw everything forward in search of the equaliser, but left an empty net which Cesky took advantage of to secure the win for Wildcats with six seconds to play.

Before face-off, Wildcats completed the signing of netminder Dean Skinns as cover for the injured Thomas Murdy, who was forced from the ice during the defeat to Bison.

“He is a solid goalie who knows what it takes to win having won at this level before,” Aldridge said. “He is a great pick up at this difficult time and I would like to thank him for joining us. I know he is excited to be playing. With a tough few games coming up i am sure he will be great cover Murds."