The Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats are delighted to confirm the 21/22 NIHL roster is complete with the arrival of Emil Svec.

Emil, a 27-year-old forward from the Czech Republic has put pen to paper for the upcoming season after spending the last 2 years in Poland with Podhale Nowy Targ.

During his spell with Podhale he posted 75 points in 91 games. In the season before moving to Podhale he iced for Cracovja Krakow and posted 27 points in 42 league games.

His career began in his home country where he came through the ranks at HC Ceske Budejovice icing at U16, U18, U20 levels. In 2015 Emil made the decision to leave the Czech Republic and move to the Slovakian Extraliga where he spent 3 years at MsHK Zilinia before a brief spell in Germany with EV Moosburg in 2017-18.

After a summer of searching, Head Coach Aaron Nell was thrilled to finally have got his man.

I’m over the moon to be welcoming Emil to the club. We’ve spoken a lot this summer and I know how excited he is to get going with us. He’s a big forward and someone who I expect to have a big impact with his.

His numbers in Poland have been impressive for someone of his size he’s got a good shot on him. Initially I think he’ll slot into our lineup alongside Eddie and CJ and I think that’ll be a really strong line for us.

I’m really looking forward to working with him and I know the Wildcats fans will give him a big welcome!

Our new #38 caught up with our press officer Ben Callaghan to say just how much he’s looking forward to getting underway.

I’m very happy and glad that I’ll be playing this season in the UK. It has been a goal of mine to come to the UK and play. My dream has come true and I can’t wait to get to Swindon.

I have only heard good things about the league because some friends have played here before. I want to help the team win some trophies and I believe we will be successful.

I’m looking forward to getting to know Swindon and I can’t wait to greet the fans. 

I’ll see you soon!

Emil will move to Swindon and join the Wildcats once the Government visa process has been completed, which we hope to be sorted shortly.

If you’re interested in sponsoring Emil, or any of the Wildcats, please email sally.price@swindonwildcats.com