home town defenceman Sam Godfrey is looking forward to testing himself in a more consistent and competitive league after renewing terms with Swindon Wildcats last week.

The 25-year-old signed up for his second consecutive full season with Aaron Nell’s side late last week and will hope to recreate the robust defence that conceded an average of just 2.3 goals a game last term.

Godfrey was a key part of the Cats team that claimed a first league title in their current guise, missing just one regular season game.

After the creation of the new National League was unveiled for next season, many wondered what to expect from around half of the Cats’ new opposition, but Godfrey is optimistic that the level of quality throughout the league will rise and make for an improved spectacle.

Discussing his decision to re-sign at the Link Centre as well as his hopes for next season, Godfrey said: “It was an easy decision to come back to Swindon.

“We’ve won trophies in both of the last two seasons here, but the league structure has obviously changed and it’s going to be much harder to do it again.

“I think the standard of hockey is going to be better, though, so I’m excited for the new season.

“There will be more consistent games. There will be no easy games and I think the standard will definitely improve.”

Godfrey joins fellow D-men Neil Liddiard, Tyler Plews and Stevie Whitfield as members of the Cats’ rear-guard to commit their futures to the club for next season.

The youngster is fully aware of the importance of keeping the nucleus of a title-winning squad together if Nell’s men are to achieve anywhere near their success of last season.

Godfrey, keen to add to the silverware he has already picked up during his second stint in Wiltshire, said: “It was important to keep most of the same guys around again.

“We’ve got a good core of players, we get along well on and off the ice, we work hard and we’ve all bought into the programme that Aaron has got going in Swindon.

“We’re a team built to win and win trophies, so hopefully that’s what we can do.

“I’m really lucky to play in my home town and it’s an hour to play here.

“I had a great time here before I left for Guildford, but it’s great to be back and playing in front of my hometown fans.”