EFFORTS to keep the core of Swindon Wildcats’ double trophy-winning roster from last season together have been praised by fans’ favourite Max Birbraer.

The Kazakhstan-born forward signed up to his third season at the Link Centre in the summer, revealing the club’s professionalism off the ice made his re-signing a simple decision.

With the likes of netminder Renny Marr, defenceman Neil Liddiard, Sam Godfrey and Ben Nethersell plus forwards Sam Bullas, Jan Kostal and Edgars Bebris all returning, Birbraer hopes the positive locker room atmosphere following last season’s NIHL Cup and Autumn Trophy wins can be transferred into this season.

Birbraer said: “If ever someone is going to re-join a team, Swindon is probably the best place for a player to do that.

“It was an easy decision for me, I want to build on last year’s success. And when you have fun in line with success it makes things easier.

“I know we won two cups last year, but we still want to build on that. Taking one game at a time will be important. Hopefully this season will be good fun.

“It’s tough to keep the core of a team together at times, especially after a successful season.

“Some players want pay rises, then others want their own individual success and perhaps step up to the higher tier – that makes keeping a group of hard-working guys together hard.

“But we’ve been fortunate enough to keep most of our team from last year and make some additions, we feel like we’ve improved on last year.

“We’re very optimistic and looking forward to the campaign.”

As well as the Cats managing to retain large parts of last year’s roster, they have also added sufficiently with Adam Harding, Tyler Plews and Sam Jones all joining.

The transfer moves during the off-season have impressed Birbraer, who believes the professionalism of the Wildcats can match teams in the higher Elite League.

He said: “This is my third year at the club, and during my time, I’ve realised we are one of the most professionally-run clubs at this level.

“Even in the Elite League, some teams have their problems, but it seems like we as players are granted the chance to just play and relax.

“Every other behind-the-scenes stress is handled professionally. We’re fortunate where we are in Swindon.

“I didn’t particularly have an easy summer – I have a job outside of hockey and kids. It’s full on.

“I’ve kept on top of fitness, though, and we are all raring to go now.

“I’ve played for many years and I know now what routine works best for me.”