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Swindon Wildcats unveil new import Max Birbraer
Swindon Wildcats have today officially announced Max Birbraer as the latest recruit to be added to Aaron Nell's roster ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
The Swindon Wildcats are delighted to announce that vastly experienced import Max Birbraer has become the latest forward to join the club ahead of the 2016-17 season.
The former Cardiff Devils left-winger becomes the Wildcats' first new signing for the 2016/17 campaign and their fourth import capture of the summer.
Speaking to swindonwildcats.com after securing the services of Birbraer on a one-year deal, Wildcats player/coach Aaron Nell went on to explain what qualities the forward will bring to his roster.
"I'm delighted Max has agreed to join us in Swindon," he said.
"Max is a great all-round hockey player, he skates well, he has a great shot and plays hard all over the ice - you always know when you are playing against Max because he hits like a truck.
"Everyone I've talked to has said how good of a guy Max is and he will be a massive part of our locker room.
"He can't wait to get started.
"Max will make us a tougher team to play against with his work ethic, two-way game and physical style of play.
"Looking at our team at the end of last season, that's something I wanted to add over the summer."
Birbraer, a 67th pick in Round 3 of the NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils back in 2000, has previously played for Newmarket Hurricanes, Albany River Rats, San Antonio Rampage, Laredo Bucks, San Diego Gulls and Long Beach Ice Dogs before arriving in the UK in 2006 when he signed for Cardiff Devils, recording 119 Elite League points in two seasons.
The 2008-09 campaign saw Birbraer ice in Russia (Kazzinc-Torpedo) and then Germany (Heilbronner Falken), before a return to the Devils occurred where he spent the following five years registering 290 points from 260 games.
The former Israeli International was snapped up by Telford Tigers in 2014-15 and registered 54 points in their title winning campaign and remained a regular in their side which finished fourth last term, chipping in with 60 points.
Birbraer has made a habit of picking up silverware throughout his career and he's determined to carry on doing that during his time with the Cats.
“I’d like to thank the Swindon Wildcats for giving me the opportunity and I hope I can be a vital part in the building process of my new club,” he told swindonwildcats.com after joining the club.
“I’m grateful for the management and coaching staff’s belief in me, and now I hope to find out the secret behind Swindon's good record against Telford in recent years and continue in the same fashion!
“I am hoping to add more fire power and physicality to an already gifted offensive core and I am looking forward to joining up with the team ahead of the new season.”
Despite teaming up with the Wildcats, there was also a tinge of sadness at leaving behind the Tigers and Birbraer was quick to add some words of thanks to his previous employers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Telford Tigers organization, fans, office staff, coaches and most importantly, the players for an amazing two years at the club," he added.
“We lifted trophies while enjoying great progress over the last few years and the professionalism level at the club is second to none and it gives the playing staff every chance to win.
“It's a great club to play hockey at and I can't thank everyone enough at the Tigers and the city of Telford for my time with them all.
“I am excited for next season with the Cats now though, and more importantly, I hope to be lifting some trophies for the Red & Whites!”
Sponsorship opportunities for Max start at just £5 and are available now. For further information, please call Wildcats Marketing Manager Sally Price on 01793 886 857 or email her at [email protected].
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