ICE HOCKEY: Wildcats hitting top form for the run-in (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Perkkio returns – and he is back among the goals

1:28pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Sport

THE Swindon Wildcats maintained their good run of form with a midweek win over the Slough Jets and a weekend success over the Peterborough Phantoms writes George Royle.

Heading into the final segment of the 2012/13 campaign, the Cats have won six of their last nine encounters.

Swindon welcomed import Matias Perkkio back into their line-up for last Wednesday's clash against the Jets at the Link Centre. The Finnish forward had been absent due to personal reasons.

It was an entertaining first period of hockey, with the hosts finishing it ahead 3-2. Perkkio marked his return with the two opening goals, before Aaron Nell also got on the scoresheet.

Early in the second frame, Swindon increased their lead, as a slick pass from Nell found Jonas Hoog in space to slot home. Frantisek Bakrlik scored for the visitors shortly after to keep them within touching distance.

Then, four minutes of individual genius from the Cats' Henri Sandvik gave the Finn a hat-trick and put Swindon into a commanding 7-3 lead.

The Cats have struggled to close games out when leading into the third session, but a solid final period of hockey gave them a comprehensive 8-3 victory over a decent Slough outfit.

Four points separated Swindon and their opponents, the Peterborough Phantoms prior to face-off on Sunday. The Cats increased that margin to six after a solid 5-2 road victory.

Goals from Aaron Nell (2), Henri Sandvik, Stevie Whitfield and Ollie Betteridge gave the visitors the two points. Netminder Dean Skinns was the catalyst for the victory, stopping 47 of 49 shots in an incredible display.

Things are looking bright in Swindon, with the imports firing on all cylinders and the goaltending unit of Dean Skinns and Thomas Murdy performing well on a regular basis.

The Cats are starting to turn it on at the right time and I can see them rising a few spots in the table before the regular season comes to an end.