Your Total Guide To sport

Swindon Wildcats Stevie Lyle Recieves GB Olympic Call Up

Swindon Wildcats' experienced netminder Stevie Lyle will not feature between the pipes this weekend after being called up to the Great Britain international squad for the Olympic pre-qualifiers in Cortina.

Lyle, 36, has been in inspired form for the Wildcats this season, producing one match-winning performance after another as Swindon began to hammer together a run of form and steadily climb the EPL league table.

The netminder joins Nottingham Pantherss defenceman Sam Oakford, Belfast Giants forward Mark Garside and Coventry Blaze forward Ross Venus in being added to the Great Britain squad.

The quartet replace netminder Stephen Murphy, defenceman Jonathan Weaver and forwards Matt Haywood and Robert Farmer.

GB take on hosts Italy, along with Netherlands and Serbia, in the four-team group from 11th to 14th February with the winners progressing to the final qualifying stage.

Oakford and Venus will be making their international tournament debuts for the GB Men’s squad.

Coach, Pete Russell, said: “It is unfortunate to lose four players, but there’s always a chance that could happen.

“We have depth in British players at the moment and you have to be prepared for this situation.

"Some experienced players and younger players are now getting a chance.

“Stevie Lyle will be one of the most experienced players on the roster, while Mark has lots of experience at this level.

“Sam and Ross are two exciting players and I am delighted all four players accepted last-minute calls-ups.

“I like the look of our squad and we still have quality throughout.”

The decision means Lyle will miss one of the most hectic weekends in the Swindon Wildcats' calendar this season, as Aaron Nell's side brace themselves for three games this weekend across Friday, Saturday and Sunday - facing Basingstoke Bison twice and Milton Keynes Lightning respectively.

Watch below to see a young Stevie Lyle in action during his Cardiff Devils days: