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Swindon Wildcats confirm squad departures following league title success
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Four key players are set to leave the Swindon Wildcats ahead of the new season, with the club paying tribute to their contributions during the recent championship run.
The Swindon Wildcats have confirmed that four key members of their championship-winning roster will not return for the 2026/27 season. The departures mark a period of transition for the Link Centre side as they look to build on the success of their most recent campaign.
Leading the list of departing players is forward Logan vande Meerakker. After joining the team from the Evansville Thunderbolts last summer, vande Meerakker proved to be a critical offensive asset, recording 84 points in 49 regular-season games and an additional 10 points during the playoff run. Head coach Aaron Nell praised his efforts, noting that he became a top-tier player for the team and will always be remembered as part of the championship side.
Tyler Watkins, who arrived in Swindon from Hungary, also departs after a highly productive year. Watkins contributed 54 points in his 48 league appearances, plus three points across six playoff fixtures. Reflecting on his time in Wiltshire, Watkins highlighted the atmosphere at the Link Centre, describing it as the best place to play in the league.
The club is also saying goodbye to two long-serving members of the squad: Josh Shaw and Tyler Perre. Shaw, who spent three seasons with the team, described playing for the Wildcats as a childhood dream, adding that leaving the club as a league champion was a fitting conclusion to his tenure. Perre leaves after a four-season stint, during which he was recognised for his dedication both as a player and as an ambassador for the organisation.
Head coach Aaron Nell acknowledged the significant impact all four men had on the team's recent form. 'I would like to thank Tyler Watkins for the professionalism he showed last year and the commitment he brought every night,' said Nell. Regarding the departures of Shaw and Perre, the coach highlighted their roles as brilliant people and thanked them for their commitment over the past few years.
As the club turns its attention towards the 2026/27 season, the focus will now shift to recruitment and tactical planning to maintain the momentum established by this year’s league-winning squad.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Ice Hockey · View original