Double swoop for brothers boosts Cats

6:00am Monday 12th May 2008

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PETE Russell believes the Watt brothers will bring some much-needed "grit, character and skill" to his Wildcats squad as the rebuilding job continues at the Link Centre.

The Swindon outfit's Scottish chief has moved quickly to replace Germany-bound top scorer Joel Petkoff by adding the British forwards Nicky and Ryan Watt.

Russell has worked with both players in the past and is confident they have all the characteristics needed to soften the blow of the loss of crowd favourite Petkoff.

He said: "The two brothers will be great additions to the Wildcatsand will add skill, grit and character to the squad.

"Nicky is a player I have worked with before, he joins us from Wightlink where he put up some good numbers.

"I have alsoworked with Ryan before and know what he is about, he comes from Bracknell where he has also put up good numbers overthe last two seasons."

Nicky Watt played last season with the Isle of Wight Raiders where he finished the season with an impressive 44 points from 48 games.

He has previously played with the Slough Jets and played his junior hockey for Basingstoke. While at BasingstokeNicky also represented Great Britainin the U18 & U20 World Championships.

Russell said: "Nicky is a gritty and skilled player; strong on the face-off,andhas a very good hockey brain.

"Nicky will add to our team bothin offence and in toughness, and I amlooking forward to working with him again."

Ryan Wattspent the last couple of years with the Bracknell Bees scoring 31 points from 37 games, another veryimpressive ratio.

He also played his junior hockey in Basingstoke and represented Great Britain U18's & 20's in 2007.

Russell said: "Ryan is a highly skilled forward who plays tough, is good round the net, and will add some punch to our offence.

"He will also add a edge to the team and at the age of just 18 is only going to get better. I am happy to have Ryan on board and lookforward to working with him. "