Nell Praises Lyle And Imports As Wildcats Topple Tigers

Wildcats head coach Aaron Nell admitted Saturday night’s dramatic comeback win against Telford Tigers was a nervy affair. Despite receiving man-of-the-match, Nell credited hearty performances from his imports and netminder Stevie Lyle for the memorable come-back.

At three nil down, Wildcats were faced with an upwards struggle if they were to take anything from last season’s league champions. A man of the match performance from Nell and an all round team effort saw Swindon claw their way back into the tie on home ice, to emerge victorious.

“It wasn't a good one for my heart and blood pressure, but to come back like that, against a team that is it in form, is incredible,” Nell told Total Sport following the final buzzer.

“When they (Telford) scored their third we were a bit worried, but we didn't really change anything - we were patient and we knew we were going to get chances. We stepped up and it was a great victory.

“Telford had two lucky goals in the first and that knocked the wind out of our sails a bit, but we got to the end of the period and that was key. We didn't quite come out flying in the second like I wanted - but to come back in the way we did was huge,” Nell added.

Special praise was reserved for import Jonas Hoog, who both scored on the night and played assist to Nell as the revival gathered momentum.

“I know there was a lot of talk when Hoog came in, but he's one of the top players in this league and he makes a difference every night,” said Nell.

“He's not the best every single night, but when he's on the ice something can happen. He's shown how good he is this week, to come from being two months behind everyone and to be playing like he is now is remarkable and he's only going to get better.”

Nell then went on to highlight the strength and quality of the Wildcats’ import players as a collective force.

“Our imports take pride in being better than other teams' imports and Telfords are good, but I still believe we have the best. They were unbelievable tonight, each one of them outplayed their counterpart - Hoog outplayed Szabo, Malasinski outplayed Birbraer, or whoever you want to match him with, and that's key,” said Nell.

The final goal of the evening came as Tomasz Malasinski picked up the puck well in his own half, opting to shoot from distance as the Tigers had hooked netminder Gospel in search of the equaliser.

“It was a great shot by Tomasz (Malasinski), it was of the better empty net goals you will ever see - but the block he made was even bigger,” said Nell.

“His effort got the whole bench up, and he was unbelievable tonight. He has come back from his week off with injury and he's been great, we're very lucky to have people like him in the team,” he added.

In Nell’s view however, one man was pivotal in ensuring Wildcats success over the Tigers – long serving netminder Stevie Lyle.

“Stevie Lyle had an incredible night, I think he made 60 odd saves,” Nell praised.

“But that's why we have him and that's why we want him for a long time. If not the most, he is one of the most valuable players in this league, and I’m sure every team would love to have him,” Nell added.

Turning his attention to the packed stands of the Swindon Ice Arena, Nell gave credit to the masses of fans who turned out to see his side topple the Tigers.

“Our fans were great on the night. They expect us to beat Telford,” said Nell.

“That's three wins out of four against them. Once we got our first, second and third goals to get back into the tie, this place was jumping and that's great to see. I think tonight we played hockey to make them proud.”

Looking ahead, Wildcats are now tasked with a trip to Humberside – a tie Nell insists his side must make use of.

“We can't waste this win by having a bad game at Hull. They're a team who are getting better every week and we can't underestimate them.”