Weekend of Swindon Wildcats celebrations to mark 30 years of ice hockey in the town: 9 - 11 December

Friday 9 December sees ice hockey legends from across the UK and the world returning to Swindon for an intimate evening with loyal fans who have followed the team for three decades and those who have become hooked on hockey ever since.

Legends include Daryl Lipsey, Gareth Endicott, Bryan Larkin, Alan Armour and a host of others. The current Wildcats team will also be attending and will be joining the Legends as they answer questions and telling stories from their time in Swindon.

Steve Nell, former team member and now Wildcats general manager, said: "This is an adults only event being held at The Campanile Hotel in West Swindon. It starts at 7.30pm and is going to be an entertaining evening. It's the first time we will have so many past players in one room answering candid questions.

"Those who have bought tickets already have been told they can ask what they like. We have about 28 tickets left and know these will sell quickly. Tickets can be bought from www.wildcats.co.uk"

Some of the Legends attending on Friday evening will be attending the Wildcats game against Telford on Saturday 10 December. They no doubt will be taking notes of how the Wildcats play and will aim to bring their A game to the main part of the weekend when the Wildcats Legends take on the current Wildcats team at Link Centre. Face off is 5.45pm.

Player manager Aaron Nell said: "This is going to be an explosive game and not to be missed. Both teams are keen to win and have been sending video messages to each other on social media.

"We have had a few messages from past Wildcats Shane Moore, Jason Paul Thomas and Ryan Aldridge, who will be playing for the Legends on Sunday, telling us that they will win and to watch our backs. I'm not sure they have the legs to win against the current team, but I’m sure they’ll give us and the public a great game to watch’

To buy your tickets to the Legends v Wildcats go to www.wildcats.co.uk

The Legends shirts will be auctioned off after the game on Sunday and there will be an Official Programme and Legends Calendar to buy in the Wildcats shop.

All photos from one of the first Swindon Wildcats games in 1986 v Altringham by Richard Wintle of Calyx