In the year that Tom Cruise felt ‘The Need for Speed’ and the UN deemed this year ‘International Year of Peace,’ the Swindon Wildcats were formed.
The year was 1986* and saw the very first challenge match take place at Link Centre against their local rivals The Oxford Stars, unfortunately, that first game didn’t go well in fact the Wildcats lost.
Their first season didn’t light any fires either and the Cats were almost relegated. Despite the results not all going their way that first year, what was established was a legacy that was well and truly born for Swindon.
Thirty years on, see a much brighter future with the team playing some great games up and down the UK and winning the hearts and cheers of the local community.
Steve Nell, Wildcats general manager, has been a part of their story for the past 30 years. His undeniable dedication to growing the Swindon Wildcats into the business they are now, cannot be matched by any other sporting personality in Wiltshire.
Steve said: "It’s hard to imagine that I’ve been part of the Wildcats for so long, starting off as a player. I’ve played and coached the game and then became manager when the body started to give up. The Wildcats has become a real family affair with my own family working alongside me on a day to day basis. Even donning a Wildcats shirt and becoming player coach like I did.
"I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some great teams over the years and it’s only fitting that in our thirtieth year that we invite back some of those personalities from all over the world who have helped put Swindon Wildcats on the Ice Hockey map"
The first event takes place on Friday 9 December when fans are invited to ‘Meet the Legends’ question and answer evening about the time in the early days of playing for Swindon, along with anecdotes about the antics the team got up to back in the day. Some of the players already confirmed include Daryl Lipsey, Bryan Larkin, Gary Dickie and Steve Moria.
This event is being held at Excalibur IT and Business Communications in Arclite House, Peatmoor and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought from the Wildcats Website www.swindonwildcats.cloudvenue.co.uk or from Wildcat Sports shop at the Link Centre. The Fridays event is open to adults only.
Daryl - whose nickname is Mr Swindon Hockey - was voted Swindon’s Greatest Ice Hockey player in 2011 by fans, having played most of his career in Swindon before joining Manchester Storm. Daryl will be joined by fellow team members from back in the day, Bryan and Gary who both have a long history at Swindon. Steve Moria, was leading scorer for Great Britain in the 2000 world championships and iced 49 times for his country.
Steve Nell commented: "More and more past players are confirming each week allowing us to arrange another Legends verses Wildcats match on Sunday 11 December. The last grudge match back in 2011 ended in a 10-all draw. I’m hoping for an out and out Legends win but our current Wildcats team are so good, it’s going to be very close. I’m really looking forward to seeing some old faces over the weekend and hope our community of supporters will come along and be part of our history."
Details of all the events and players coming back to support the celebrations in December can be found on www.swindonwildcats.com
*Other key activity that happened in 1986
January. Britain and France announces plans to construct the channel tunnel
April. Journalist, John McCarthy was kidnapped. Chernobyl Disaster
May. Mexico World Cup started
June. England knocked out of World Cup by The Hand of God.
July. Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson
Sept. GCSE’s replace CSE’s and O’Levels for 14yrs olds
Oct. Margaret Thatcher opened M25
Top Gun, Platoon and Crocodile Dundee was all released in this year . Lady Gaga, Emila Clarke (Game of Thrones) Ellie Goulding, TV presenter Rachel Riley all were born 30 years ago.
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