Wildcats confirm return of Balint Pakodzi

By Barrie Hudson - 11 May 2021

Sport

The Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats say Balint Pakozdi will return for the 21-22NIHL National Season. 

  • The 22-year-old arrived from the New Hampshire Monarchs last summer

    The 22-year-old arrived from the New Hampshire Monarchs last summer

The 22-year-old British-trained forward will be entering his second season in Swindon after arriving from the New Hampshire Monarchs last summer.

Having come through the Okanagan Hockey Academy under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Aldridge, Balint moved to Sweden to ice for Visby/Roma in the J20 Div1, where he scored 40 points in 25 games, before moving on to New Hampshire in the USPHL.

Balint spoke last summer of his excitement at coming back to Swindon, and the young forward excelled in the NIHL Spring Cup. He scored 14 points (7G & 7A) in just 12 games, catching the eyes of the coaches in the EIHL for the Elite Series.

He was called up to the Sheffield Steelers and was working hard with Head Coach Aaron Fox.

During the Elite series he iced in 9 games, scoring two assists and was a plus 3 in the tournament.

Wildcats Head Coach Aaron Nell said: “I couldn’t be happier to have Bali back in Swindon for another year. 

"The impact he had in just a few weeks during the Spring Cup was incredible. He put up over a point a game and had a real impact in our lineup. 

"He was also joint top of our goal scorers with 7 goals and was a vital part of our offense.

"I was delighted when he got his chance in the EIHL with the Steelers and that spell will only help him grow as a player, and whilst Cats fans got a glimpse of watching him, I’m sure they’ll love him even more when they actually get to watch him in person. 

"He’s got a great personality and I cannot wait to work with him again this season.”

An interview with Balint can be heard at the Wildcats' social media channels.

The website of title sponsors Bespoke Guardians visit is www.bespokeguardians.co.uk, and anybody interested in Wildcats sponsorship opportunities is welcome to email [email protected]

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