Swindon Wildcat Tyler Plews sat down recently to discuss the start to the National League season. The ‘cats have played 8 games and collected 12 points which has set them up well for the remainder of the season. Tyler has started his second season and discussed what has helped get the team off to such a strong start.

How has the season started for you?
I felt that I have started pretty well, I feel like I have more confidence compared to last season. As a team I feel like we have been successful, it’s the start and we have lots of things to work on, but we can definitely compete for silver wear.

How have the new players settled in?
Malash (Malasinski) has started the season off with a bang, he’s pretty comfortable with everyone. Even though Van Kleef hasn’t played yet he’s fitted in with the team really well/ I’ve been living with him and I think we get on really well. When he gets going, I feel like we will have the two best imports in the league.

Off the ice you have been working with the Community team, how has that been?
I have been thoroughly enjoying myself working with the Community team, it’s a new challenge which I have enjoyed doing. Also, a very rewarding job working with so many local kids and seeing them develop, whether it is on the ice or at after school clubs. I completed a coaching course before I moved down to Swindon so I feel like this has helped me excel in the role. I didn’t know the number of hours the club is in the community and how many different things they offer.

What are your personal goals for the year?
To keep up consistent performance’s week in and week out. So far, I think I’ve done that. Since my move to Swindon, I think that I’ve developed because of the amount of time on the ice I’ve had during games, there is a pressure to succeed because this club is used to winning things. Also, the attention to detail that we do in video analysis has helped me to realise what to do and what not to do in certain situations. Aaron is a very smart coach who will excel your strengths and work on your weaknesses with you.

What has helped the players to start so well on the ice so far this season?
There is a tight-nit group in the dressing-room and that’s what you need to win silverware. Also the amount of support that the fans give us each week, when they’re nice and loud it’s like another a 6th man out there. Bringing Richie (Lee Richardson) onto the coaching staff has really helped, having a coach that has played at a high level is valuable, he was a D-man too so I trust his feedback, he takes some of the pressure off of Aaron by working with Robbie on the bench.