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Wildcats In Profile: Stevie Lyle

Stevie Lyle is one of the most popular names at the Link, but why? Here is all you need to know about Swindon's number one netminder.

Brief factfile:

Number: 30

Position: Netminder:

D.O.B: 4/12/1979

Been a Wildcat since: 2013-14

Previous clubs: Cardiff Devils, Plymouth Whalers, Kindersley Klippers, Manchester Storm, Guildford Flames, Bracknell Bees, Sheffield Steelers, Eppan/Appiano, Morzine-Avoriaz, Basingstoke Bison and Belfast Giants.

Lyle became a Wildcat ahead of the 2013-14 season after 12 months at Basingstoke Bison, which followed distinguished years in the Elite Ice Hockey League with the Cardiff Devils and a smorgasbord of other clubs

Cardiff-born Lyle began his career with his hometown club, and made 20 appearances for the first team in 1994-95 and made his debut for the Great Britain U20s and full senior team a season later.

He Initially joined the club on a one-year contract in 2013, but Lyle became a major signing and after hinting that he may hang up his gloves, he was persuaded to continue and became player-coach at the club in 2015-16.

Lyl stepped down from the role just two months in to that campaign, but remained as netminder when Aaron Nell stepped up to the position and his impressive form continued and he has been rewarded with a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Rounding off a great 2015-16, Lyle picked up the Dave Richardson Award at the End of Season Presentation evening which follows on from the Players “Player of the Year” award that he won in 2014-15.

Lyle is also appointed as netminder coach with the Okanagan Hockey Academy (UK) U16s and U18s sides.