SAM Bullas says Swindon Wildcats’ success last season was extra sweet given the close-knit nature of the club.

Aaron Nell’s side head into the new campaign as defending NIHL Cup and Autumn Trophy champions, having ended the club’s long wait for silverware with a double triumph last term.

Life at the Link Centre is very much a family affair, with player-coach Nell the son of general manager and former Swindon star Steve Nell, while the likes of Bullas, Stevie Whitfield, Floyd Taylor and Neil Liddiard all have lengthy associations with the club.

Swindon’s heroics last season provided Bullas with his career highlights so far, with the forward believing that the Cats’ achievements further strengthened the bond in the locker room.

“We are a tight group and it’s nice that we are now seeing some trophies for the hard work we have put in and we are getting something out of it,” said Bullas.

“I think we have strengthened from last season, Aaron has put together a fantastic team.

“To lose someone like Phil Hill will be a big miss. He was so big on the ice and for the team off-the-ice in the dressing room too, but we have picked up some fantastic signings to counter that.

“The roster is deep and we have a good blend of young kids together with older guys with experience like Max (Birbraer) and Jan (Kostal).

“It is always good to keep that core. A lot of us have been here a long time now and stuck together.

“We have got that feeling for winning now and we want to make sure the new guys get that feeling early on too.

“Winning the two trophies was the best experience I have had in my hockey career, so I want to feel that again this season.”

Swindon do not play their first league fixture in NIHL South One until October 6, although their competitive programme begins on September 15 at home to Hull Pirates in the first of six Autumn Trophy games.

Before that, the Cats will tune-up for the new season with home and away challenge matches on consecutive weekends against Bracknell Bees and Streatham, beginning on Saturday.

Bullas is eager for Swindon to set the tempo from the off in order to prove they can be amongst the front-runners for honours once again.

“We have got the four pre-season games to get us in good shape and get everyone used to each other on the ice,” said Bullas.

“Hopefully we can do well in those and hit the momentum we got at around Christmas time last season right at the start of the season this time.

“If we can do that, we are going to be real contenders.”

READ A REGULAR COLUMN FROM BULLAS IN THE SWINDON ADVERTISER AND AT SWINDONADVERTISER.CO.UK/SPORT THIS SEASON