JOEL Petkoff is refusing to rule out another return to the Link Centre in the future after signing for German OberLiga outfit EC Peiting.
Petkoff had agreed terms to stay another year in Swindon before the German club registered their interest, leaving the 26-year-old with a "very tough" decision to make.
Eventually he opted for EC Peiting, citing a new challenge and a higher standard of ice hockey as motivation.
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But the Canadian insists this is not the end of his love affair with Wiltshire, and says he would like to return for a third spell later in his career.
Speaking to the Advertiser from his home in Ontario, Petkoff said: "The last couple of weeks I have been thinking about it and it was a really hard decision to make.
"I had agreed terms with Wildcats but I never signed anything. It was never about the money. Swindon made me a very good offer, but it's not every day you get the chance to play in Europe.
"I like it a lot in Swindon. I have lots of good friends there and the players and supporters have been brilliant.
"This was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down. It's the chance to go up another level and set myself a new challenge.
"I told Steve (Nell) I would love to come back to Swindon one day later in my career. I was very keen to make that point because I didn't want to close any doors."
Wildcats general manager Nell has already begun the task of trying to find a replacement for Petkoff, who was Cats' leading points scorer last season with 53 goals and 36 assists.
"It's going to be very difficult because there are not too many Joel Petkoffs around," said Nell.
"We would never stand in the way of somebody trying to better themselves, and if we can be a stepping stone to success for people like Joel then we will be.
"Things change quickly in ice hockey and if he wanted to return, and it suited both parties, we would have no problems welcoming him back to Swindon."
l See tomorrow's Advertiser for the full interview with Petkoff
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