The Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats are delighted to finish the week off with another returning face for 23/24. Stevie Whitfield has put pen to paper on a contract extension which keeps him at the Link Centre for another season.

Whilst we’re delighted to have Stevie back for another term, we’re saddened to also announce this will be his final season in Swindon before retiring at the end of the campaign. Stevie has spent his entire ice hockey career in Swindon, coming up through the junior ranks before making his senior Wildcats debut.

He made his senior debut in the 08-09 season before becoming a full-time member of the squad in 2011. Since then, #28 has been a mainstay of the Wildcats D Core and last summer hosted a successful testimonial in front of a busy Swindon crowd.

Speaking to swindonwildcats.com Stevie said:

“I’m excited to be back playing for Swindon. I’ve been with the club at every level from under 10s to the senior team and I’m very proud of my time here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else for my final season before retirement.

Balancing hockey with work and your life away from the rink can be difficult at times. I’ve always wanted to put in all the effort I can when playing for the Cats. After a discussion with Aaron and Steve I’ve made the decision, this will be final season. I’m putting the work in during the off season and will be able to fully commit on and off the ice and then step away from the team happy with my time spent playing for the club.

I’ll continue to work hard and contribute mainly to the defensive side of the game; however I can’t lie, I’d love to score one more goal! I want to spend the year enjoying my hockey and everything that goes with it as much as I can. The additions of Glenn and Reece will really help the team this year. Glenn will add to what I think is already a strong forward group. Reece has size and the ability to jump in on the offense, which will hopefully give us a more all-round D core.”

Meanwhile Head Coach Aaron Nell added:

I’m thrilled to have Stevie back for another year because he’s a brilliant professional and an even better person. However, knowing it his final season is sad because as a club we’ll really miss him when he goes.

He comes to the rink every day ready to put all his effort in and never takes a game off, few players have come through the juniors the way he did, and he can be proud of what he’s achieved in Swindon. Everyone in the locker-room loves him and much like when Floyd stepped away last season, it will be a sad day when he skates off the ice for the final time.

We want to have a successful season this year and he will play a part of that, hopefully he can go out with a trophy in the bag!

If you’re interested in sponsoring Stevie or any of the Wildcats please email sally.price@swindonwildcats.com for all enquiries.