ICE HOCKEY: Nell gets ready for crucial Slough clash

8:22am Friday 4th April 2008

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AS a former Swindon player and current Wildcats general manager, Steve Nell knows a thing or two about pressure games.

And the Link Centre supremo believes the weekend's play-off double header with Slough Jets are among the most crucial matches in the club's recent history.

In their quest for a spot in the EPL finals at Coventry later this month, Wildcats face the group leaders at home on Saturday, before travelling to Berkshire 24 hours later for the return fixture.

A full house at the Link Centre last Sunday saw a Joel Petkoff-inspired Cats gain a last-gasp victory over MK Lightning, and Nell is hoping for more of the same tomorrow as Slough come to town.

"Saturday's match against Slough promises to be one of the best we have seen in Swindon for some time," he admitted.

"Needless to say, both teams will be extremely fired up and our fans are in for a real treat.

"The 2008 crowd level has consistently hovered around the 1,000mark, which is testament to the enhanced experience we have tried to offer supporters this season," he said.

"The play-off clashes have attracted 1,200 fans and we expect to see another big crowd on Saturday night.

"I really do believe a packed stadium helps the players perform better."

Swindon's record against Slough leaves a lot to be desired, having defeated their opponents on just one occasion during the current campaign.

But Nell insists past form will count for nothing when both sides take to the ice this weekend.

He said: "We will be going into the games with fantastic team spirit and the attitude that we have nothing to lose.

"It is a very exciting time for the Wildcats, everybody involved with the club is buzzing.

"If we could collect two victories this weekend then it would be fantastic for the club and the town of Swindon."

Immediate success for the Wildcats would undoubtedly be a place in finals weekend at the end of April, but Nell revealed he is also focussed on the long-term future of the club.

Part of his vision for ice hockey in Swindon places emphasis on a complete sporting experience for spectators of all ages, and after appointing a new marketing team, Nell is pleasedwith the progress being made so far.

He said: "As a club we have made improvements to match day entertainment for fans and incorporate more off ice activities into our home games.

"The crowd we had for the victory against Milton Keynes was the best Sunday attendance for many years and it is rewarding when our commercial efforts pay off.

"We are aware of the areas in which we need to improve and steps are constantly being taken to achieve our goals."