Position: Defenceman

Tom Rossiter

Player Profile: Tom Rossiter

Name: Tom Rossitter
Position: Defenseman (D)
Experience: 3 years

About:
Tom Rossiter is a solid and dependable defenseman for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, with 3 years of experience on the ice. His journey into ice hockey began during his time living in Canada, where he was drawn to the sport in a country where football takes a backseat.

A devoted fan of the Edmonton Oilers, Tom admires the skill and brilliance of Cale Makar, whose dynamic play inspires his game. As a right-handed player, Tom’s steady presence on defense provides a strong backbone for the team’s efforts.

Plays: Right-handed

Beyond Hockey:
Tom’s passion for hockey extends to his family, with all three of his sons playing for the Swindon Academy. His love for the game and dedication to fostering the sport within his family highlight his commitment to the hockey community.

Highlight:
Tom’s experience, passion, and family connection to hockey make him a valued member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His leadership and defensive skills are key to the team’s success and growth on and off the ice.

Stuart Girdler

Name: Stuart Girdler
Position: Defenseman (Left Side)
Experience: Started after learning to skate and inspired by watching a German team play

About:
Stuart Girdler is a steady and reliable defenseman for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, playing on the left side. His journey into hockey began after learning to skate and being inspired by the skill and intensity of a German team he watched following a skating session. That moment sparked a love for the sport that continues to grow.

While Stuart isn’t a follower of the NHL, he brings his own unique passion and enthusiasm to the ice. His right-handed play and focus on defense make him an essential part of the team’s back line.

Plays: Right-handed

Beyond Hockey:
Outside of hockey, Stuart leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. He’s an avid road cyclist, a sub-aqua instructor, and always eager for a new challenge. His commitment to staying fit and active directly translates to his strong presence on the ice.

Highlight:
Stuart’s determination, athleticism, and defensive skills make him a valuable member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His versatility and love for the game inspire those around him, both on and off the rink.

Mike Wiodarcryk

Name: Mike Wlodarczyk
Position: Defense
Experience: Since I could walk

About:
Mike Wlodarczyk is a seasoned and passionate defenseman for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. With a lifelong connection to hockey, Mike has been skating and playing since he could walk, making the sport an integral part of his life.

Inspired by the Mighty Ducks movie as a child, Mike developed a deep love for the game and its teamwork and excitement. A proud fan of Jaromír Jágr and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike brings the same grit and determination to the ice as his hockey idols.

Plays: Left-handed

Highlight:
Mike’s years of experience, love for the game, and solid defensive skills make him an invaluable part of the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His passion for hockey and dedication to his role inspire teammates and set the tone for strong team play.

Lewis Davies

Name: Lewis Davies
Position: Defenseman
Experience: Since 2023

About:
Lewis Davies is a strong and dependable defenseman for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. Inspired by watching a friend play for the Bristol Pirates, Tom decided to step onto the ice himself in 2023, transitioning from a spectator to a dedicated player.

A loyal fan of the Calgary Flames, Lewis looks up to standout defensemen McKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson, drawing inspiration from their skill and poise on the ice. Starting hockey and skating at the same time, Lewis has quickly developed into a key figure in the team’s defensive lineup.

Plays: Right-handed

Beyond Hockey:
Lewis’s journey into hockey followed a decade of playing rugby, where he built the toughness and teamwork that now translate to his defensive role. His athletic background and commitment to improving his skills make him a vital part of the team’s success.

Highlight:
Lewis’s quick adaptation to hockey, combined with his passion and defensive abilities, has made him an integral member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His determination and love for the game inspire both teammates and fans alike.

Ladislav Kollár

Player Profile: Ladislav Kollár

Name: Ladislav Kollár
Position: Defender with a Forward’s Heart ❤️
Experience: 10 months

About:
Ladislav Kollár is a passionate and hardworking defender for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, bringing a forward’s energy and determination to his role on the blue line. Despite being relatively new to hockey with 10 months of experience, Ladislav’s dedication and love for the game are clear every time he steps onto the ice. Known for his powerful slapshot from the blue line, he’s a key player in the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.

Inspiration:
Ladislav’s hockey journey was inspired by a personal goal to lose weight, proving his determination and drive to improve himself both on and off the ice. A loyal fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Ladislav admires the late Pavel Demitra, whose legacy and talent inspire him to give his all to the game.

Plays: Left-handed

Beyond Hockey:
When Ladislav isn’t on the ice, he enjoys fitness, riding motorbikes, and spending time with his favorite animals—dogs. His hobbies and active lifestyle reflect his dynamic personality and love for challenges.

Highlight:
Ladislav’s booming slapshot and forward-thinking playstyle make him a valuable member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His passion for hockey, combined with his unique journey and positive attitude, inspire teammates and contribute to the team’s success.

James Crang

Player Profile: James Crang

Name: James Crang
Position: Defenseman (D)
Experience: 2 years, 6 months

About:
James Crang is a strong and reliable defenseman for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, bringing over two years of experience and a deep love for the game. Having been passionate about ice hockey since childhood, James’s dedication to the sport shines through in his performance on the ice.

As a proud supporter of the Boston Bruins, James channels the same grit and determination seen in his favorite NHL team. His right-handed play and defensive skills make him a key part of the team’s efforts to stay solid in their own zone.

Plays: Right-handed

Highlight:
With a lifelong love for the sport and years of dedication, James’s commitment to the game and his team is evident in every shift. His passion and consistency make him an integral member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team.

Jack Dell

Name: Jack Dell
Position: Defense
Experience: 10 years (on and off), joined Swindon Avalanche in March 2023

About:
Jack Dell is a strong and dedicated defenseman for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. With 10 years of experience in hockey, Jack has developed a deep love for the game. His journey began when his best friend of 15 years convinced him to attend a Learn to Play session. Seeing his friend’s skill level inspired Jack to push himself, and he’s been driven to improve and grow as a player ever since.

A loyal fan of the Edmonton Oilers, Jack admires their powerhouse roster, including McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Bouchard. As a defenseman, he takes particular inspiration from the dynamic play of Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche, whom he considers his favorite player right now.

Plays: Right-handed

Hobbies:
Off the ice, Jack loves hitting the gym, dominating pub quizzes, and favourite dog breed is border terriers. He’s also a self-proclaimed master of Uno, making him a fierce competitor both on and off the rink.

Highlight:
Jack’s passion for hockey, combined with his drive to improve and his solid defensive skills, make him an invaluable member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His sense of humor and dedication to the game inspire his teammates and bring great energy to the team.

Heiks Varpoila

Name: Heiks Varpoila
Position: Centre (C) / Defense (D)
Experience: A couple of years

About:
Heiks Varpoila is a versatile and dedicated player for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, adept at both the center and defense positions. With a passion for hockey that began as a spectator, Heiks love for the game grew even stronger when moving to Swindon finally provided the opportunity to play—a dream that wasn’t possible while living in Portugal or Wales.

A loyal fan of the Florida Panthers, Heiks admires the skill and leadership of Sasha Barkov, whose two-way game inspires his approach on the ice.

Plays: Right-handed

Beyond Hockey:
When not on the ice, Heiks keeps busy with an impressive array of hobbies and responsibilities. From training for an alpine ultramarathon and a 200-mile charity cycle to (badly) playing golf, Heiks embraces challenges with determination. He also serves as the chairman of Cirencester and District Round Table and holds positions on the boards of two housing associations.

Fun Fact:
During his national service, Heiks once managed to sleep through an entire emergency drill—proof that even emergencies can’t disrupt his rest!

Highlight:
Heiks dedication to both hockey and his many pursuits showcases his drive and commitment. His skill, passion, and sense of humor make him a valuable member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team, both on and off the ice.

Duncan Morton

Player Profile: Duncan Morton

Name: Duncan Morton
Position: Utility Player (experienced in all positions)
Experience: Since 1998

About:
Duncan Morton is a versatile and experienced member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team, stepping into any position on the ice when needed. With a hockey journey that began in 1998, Duncan’s adaptability and knowledge make him a key asset to the team. Whether playing in goal, defense, or on the attack, he brings skill and confidence to every shift.

A lifelong hockey enthusiast, Duncan’s passion for the sport is unwavering. As a fan of the Dallas Stars, he channels the same resilience and determination seen in his favorite team.

Plays: Left-handed

Highlight:
Duncan’s ability to play anywhere on the ice and his wealth of experience make him an invaluable player, always ready to support the team wherever he’s needed most.