HAVING won two trophies last season, there is definitely more expectation on our shoulders going into the new season.

We set the tone last season and that expectation comes from ourselves and the coaches, so we are excited to get going again.

We say it every year, but we are here to win trophies. We are not just here to take part – we are here to win, and we showed we can do it last season.

After winning the trophies we did last season, we definitely showed we can perform in the big games.

Ask any hockey player in this league and they will say those really tough big games are the exciting ones to play in.

If you win by a few goals, it is not quite as good. We like the competitive games, we like the battles. That’s what we are here for and I am sure there will be lots of them this season.

The league is looking really competitive this season and a lot of guys have moved around to different clubs. The London teams have strengthened, and Bracknell look very good.

It will have a different look to it this year and I think the league will be a lot more evenly spread. There won’t be as many big defeats and it is going to be a hard battle every night.

Consistency is going to be key for us, especially if we want to push for the league title.

You can’t mess up anywhere because one point can cost you further down the line. Even if it is an early loss, it can cost you the league championship.

We are famous for being slow starters, so the plan is to start fast this season.

This will be my 10th season with Swindon and I am still enjoying it as much as ever, and having that senior role in the locker room is one I really enjoy.

When I was young and staring out at Nottingham at 16, there was a lot to learn. Then I came down here at 18 and now I am one of the senior guys.

If I can make anyone better, I will, and it is how the world works, it is a continuous cycle. It is about passing down your knowledge and experience and trying to make everyone on the roster better.

I am 27 now but I am still learning from the older guys we have, so if I can feed down what I learn from them to the younger guys, I will.

I am here to lead on the ice and try to make a difference.