THE Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats head coach Aaron Nell says this weekend's double-header against Telford Tigers is the most important set of fixtures of the season.

After a first four-point haul since December 18th and 19th last time out, Swindon head into the weekend's games top of the National Ice Hockey League with opponents Telford two points behind them but having played two fewer fixtures.

With hopes of a domestic double on the line, Nell knows at least one victory could do the Wildcats' aspirations the world of good.

He said: "This is the biggest weekend of the season for us.

"Telford had a tough weekend last week, but they've been excellent this season so far. Over the Christmas period, I think they won eight in a row.

"It couldn't be tighter at the top, it's a massive weekend for us.

"I'm sure there will be two great games between two really good teams - hopefully we can come out on top and continue our form that we've picked up over Christmas."

The pair are set to meet for a ninth and 10th time, respectively, this weekend with the current season score level at 4-4.

Based on current form, Nell says it is difficult to predict who will come out on top - especially as the Tigers will have a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Nell said: "You want to win every game you play, especially the home games.

"I know there's going to be a big crowd on Saturday, so if you can win that first game then it puts us in a great spot to try and nick a result away from home the next night.

"They lost twice last weekend, but they'd won eight in a row before that.

"You're always going to lose at some point, but quite often when you're on a long winning streak, when you lose one you lose two.

"I know Telford have been missing a few players but they've got those guys coming back this weekend - I expect two really tough games."