JOEL Petkoff insists he is leaving behind a much better team than the one he found after waving goodbye to the Wildcats for a second time.
The Canadian star will not be returning to the Link Centre next season after signing for German OberLiga outfit EC Peiting, but he believes Cats will go from strength to strength without him.
Petkoff became a firm fans' favourite during his three years in Wiltshire, which were punctuated with a brief spell at Romford Raiders.
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His goals helped guide Cats into the EPL play-offs, where victories over Bracknell, Milton Keynes and Slough almost saw Swindon skate into the final four at Coventry.
And though he will be plying his trade in Europe next season, Petkoff insists Cats are well equipped to mount another challenge for play-off honours.
He said: "I think there are a lot of talented players at Swindon and if Peter (Russell) can keep the roster together they can have another good year.
"It was great to win some games in the play-offs this season and I think it is a measure of how far the team has come.
"There was a lot more depth in the squad and everyone seemed to be playing for each other.
"I wish them all the success next season. I will be keeping in touch from Germany and following their results on the internet."
Petkoff is now relaxing at his home in Ontario after a hectic few months which saw him earn a spot on the EPL All Star' first line for the second time in his career.
His season's haul of 53 goals and 36 assists will make Petkoff almost impossible to replace, but the 26-year-old insists Cats have the talent to be a future force in the EPL.
He said: "It was great to be recognised in the All Star line but that award is really for my team-mates, not for me.
"You can only be a good hockey player if you have good players around you and that's what I had at Cats.
"Moving to Germany will be a big challenge for me, but it's one I'm looking forward to.
"EC Peiting play in the third division but there is promotion and relegation over there.
"Also there are scouts watching you from the higher leagues so you always have a good chance to impress.
"It's a different lifestyle over there and a whole new experience for me, but I can't wait. I just hope some of the guys speak English."
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