WHEN Swindon Wildcats head coach Ryan Aldridge picked import Jonas Hoog up from the airport at the start of the season, the Swede made him one simple promise.

And following a gruelling schedule of 54 regular season games, Hoog can go into this weekend’s two legged play-off clash with Manchester Phoenix knowing he was true to his word, after finishing top points scorer in the English Premier League.

A tally of 92 points made up of 42 goals and 50 assists has left the 25-year-old top of the pile, but he is determined to add to his success in the play-offs.

“I promised Ryan I would be top scorer, and I am very glad to have been able to keep my promise,” the Swede said.

“I always thought I could do it, but after a bit of a slow start to the year I didn’t think I would be able to.

“But Aaron Nell and I have played very well together, and we have a good understanding, so he and the rest of the team have made it easy for me.

“But it is no good being top scorer if we do not get to Coventry, and we want to beat Machester to do that.

“Being in the play-offs is the fun bit we have been waiting for all season, so it is time to give our best and produce two good wins.”

  • FORWARD Nicky Watt has insisted Swindon Wildcats are not content at simply reaching the play-offs, but want to stamp their mark on the end of season competition.

Wildcats take on Manchester Phoenix over two legs this weekend in a bid to reach the finals in Coventry, and Watt admitted the play-offs have been on their mind throughout a long, tough, season.

“When the season started in September all we were focused on was making the play-offs, but we want to do more than that,” he said.

“Of course getting in was an achievement, but the next stage is to make it to Coventry, just finishing seventh in the league is not enough for us.

“We are all confident we can make an impact, and there is a lot of energy and spirit around the camp which will prove crucial for us. We are going into the weekend on good form, and we are looking to carry it on now.”

Watt is expecting two tough games against the Phoenix, but has promised to entertain the fans at the Link Centre, as well as the Altrincham Ice Dome.

“Every game we have played against Manchester this season has been an entertaining one, and we play well against them.

“They have three strong lines who all play well together, but if we play to our potential we will win.”