Swindon Wildcats announce Tyler VanKleef has joined the club

Swindon Wildcats are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tyler VanKleef has joined the club from Bracknell as our second import for the 2019/20 NIHL season.

Tyler joined the Bees midway through last season after a trial with EIHL side. Nottingham Panthers. Prior to arriving in the UK, he spent a season in the SPHL with the Evansville Thundercats. He was also loaned out to three ECHL sides during the 17/18 season.

The Ontario Native made an impact in the UK where he helped the Bees reach last season’s Coventry Finals Weekend, with 30 points (21G & 9A) in 28 games. Speaking exclusively to swindonwildcats.com Tyler was delighted to have secured a move down the M4 to Swindon.

I’m delighted to be joining Swindon. From my conversations with Aaron about how he wants the team to play, the winning culture, the organisation and the fans I just can’t wait to get started. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the club and the community and I cannot wait to meet everyone in September.

I think the three greatest strengths in my game are my skating, scoring and physicality. Every time we played Swindon last year it was a battle and knowing first-hand how difficult they are to play against I’m excited to be a part of it now.

I just want to tell the fans that I can’t wait to join Swindon and become a Wildcat. I will do all I can to continue the winning culture within the community and help drive team performance to winning some more silverware for the club.

Wildcats Head Coach Aaron Nell was also thrilled to have got his man after the summer negotiations.

I’m delighted to have been able to sign Tyler and I know he can’t wait to get started.

Tyler skates really well, has a great shot and plays hard, he is the type of player that I know our fans will love and at his age of 26 he really wants to prove himself. I’ve had multiple great reviews of Tyler as a person so I’m confident he’s going be a positive person in the dressing room!

Tyler was very difficult to play against last season and with Max retiring I thought It was important to sign someone who plays with an edge. I’m very happy with the 2 imports we have signed I think they will fit in well and they make us bigger and faster than last year!