Season: 2024 Season

Jamie Cooper

Name: Jamie Daniel Cooper
Position: Left Wing
Experience: 3 years

About:
Jamie Daniel Cooper is a skilled and passionate left winger for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. With three years of experience, Jamie has become a dynamic presence on the ice, combining speed and precision to support his team.

Introduced to hockey by his brother, Jamie quickly fell in love with the game and has been dedicated to improving ever since. A loyal fan of the New Jersey Devils, Jamie admires Nico Hischier for his leadership and all-around playmaking abilities.

Plays: Right-handed
Country Flag: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Highlight:
Jamie’s enthusiasm for the sport and his commitment to growth make him a valuable asset to the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His passion for hockey shines in every game, inspiring teammates and contributing 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.

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.

Ezekiel Dick

Player Profile: Ezekiel Dick

Name: Ezekiel Dick
Position: Centre / Emergency Goalie
Experience: 15 months

About:
Ezekiel Dick is a versatile and passionate player for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, excelling as a centre and stepping up as an emergency goalie when needed. Despite being relatively new to ice hockey with just 15 months of experience, Ezekiel’s dedication and enthusiasm have already made him a valuable part of the team.

Inspired by playing NHL 2K7 as a child, ice hockey was the first sport Ezekiel fell in love with. Today, his admiration for the Minnesota Wild fuels his drive, with “The Flower” Marc-André Fleury and Kirill Kaprizov being his key influences on the ice.

Plays: Right-handed

Beyond Hockey:
Ezekiel’s athletic background extends far beyond the rink. With over a decade of rugby experience, including three years playing semi-professionally, he brings a wealth of athletic knowledge and leadership to the team. As a coach, he guided U10 and U11 rugby teams to back-to-back championship seasons, demonstrating his ability to inspire and develop young athletes.

Highlight:
Ezekiel’s unique combination of hockey skills, sporting experience, and leadership makes him a true asset to the Swindon Avalanche B Team. His determination to grow in hockey while contributing his athletic expertise strengthens the team both on and off the ice.

Chrissy Spalding

Name: Chrissy Spalding
Position: Centre (formerly Left Wing)
Experience: 1 year of playing properly, with prior experience in Learn to Play sessions

About:
Chrissy Spalding is a talented and dedicated center for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. Originally starting as a left winger, Chrissy transitioned to center in June of last year and has embraced the position with enthusiasm and skill.

Her love for hockey began after watching a live game for the first time, captivated by the excitement and energy of the sport. For Chrissy, hockey is unlike any other sport—fun to watch and even more thrilling to play.

Plays: Right-handed

Inspiration:
While Chrissy doesn’t have a favorite team, she draws inspiration from the skill and talent of players like Sidney Crosby, Marc-André Fleury, and Mitch Marner, who exemplify excellence in their roles.

Highlight:
Chrissy’s passion for hockey, combined with her versatility and dedication, makes her a key player on the Swindon Avalanche B Team. Her drive to improve and love for the game continue to inspire her teammates and contribute to the team’s success.

Bradley McMillan

Player Profile: Bradley McMillan

Name: Bradley McMillan
Position: Centre / Winger
Experience: 8 years

About:
Bradley McMillan is a skilled and adaptable forward for the Swindon Avalanche B Team, playing as both a centre and winger. With 8 years of experience, Bradley brings a wealth of knowledge and a love for the game that shines in every match.

His journey into hockey began after watching NHL games on YouTube, where the fast pace and excitement of the sport captured his imagination. While he’s a loyal fan of the Boston Bruins, Bradley has immense respect for Alexander Ovechkin, whom he considers the best player in the game right now.

Plays: Right-handed

Background:
Originally from Bradford, West Yorkshire, Bradley made the move down south for work and decided to join a local hockey team to meet new people and embrace new challenges. His blend of skill and enthusiasm has made him a fantastic addition to the Swindon Avalanche B Team.

As an amusing twist of fate and perhaps an act of “revenge” for James Turner Hague’s infamous shower story, Bradley has been spending time with James’s cousin, turning the team banter into a running joke that keeps everyone laughing.

Highlight:
Bradley’s years of experience, passion for the sport, and positive attitude have made him an integral part of the team. Whether setting up plays or finding the back of the net, Bradley is a key player who continues to make an impact both on and off the ice.

Ben Webb

Player Profile: Ben Webb

Name: Ben Webb
Position: Right Wing (Utility Player)
Experience: Since March 2024

About:
Ben Webb is a versatile and enthusiastic member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team, preferring to play on the right wing but always ready to fill in wherever the team needs him. Starting his hockey journey in early 2024, Ben quickly made an impression during his first season with the Avs B from April to September 2024.

His hockey story began after a festive family skate at Bath’s outdoor rink in December 2023, which led to skating lessons for his kids and regular public skate sessions. Inspired by their fun and progress, Ben joined adult ‘Learn to Play’ sessions in February 2024, paving the way for his debut with the Avalanche.

Plays: Right-handed (but often wonders if he should have been a Lefty!)

Inspiration:
Ben admires the resilience and determination of Connor Bedard, who thrives under the pressures of the NHL spotlight at such a young age. Growing up, Ben’s love for hockey was fueled by the Disney Mighty Ducks movies, making the Anaheim Ducks his natural favorite team. Though he’s yet to try the iconic Flying V in a game, he knows the perfect moment will come!

Beyond Hockey:
Ben is also training as a coach through the Swindon Wildcats Academy, with plans to achieve a Level 2 coaching certification. He’s already supporting the U10’s Academy team, bringing his passion for the sport to the next generation.

When he’s not on the ice, Ben enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his family and playing the drums.

Highlight:
Ben’s journey into hockey is one of family, fun, and determination. His energy and commitment to both playing and coaching make him an invaluable member of the Swindon Avalanche B Team, and his future in the sport looks bright both on and off the ice.

Bailey Wilson

Player Profile: Bailey Wilson

Name: Bailey Wilson
Position: Right Defenseman (Experimenting as a Winger)
Experience: 2 Years

About:
Bailey Wilson is a determined and adaptable player for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. While his main role is as a right defenseman, Bailey is currently exploring the winger position, showcasing his willingness to grow and contribute wherever needed. Now in his second year of hockey, Bailey’s love for the game continues to grow with every season.

Inspiration:
Bailey credits Chrissy as his inspiration to start playing hockey (though he’ll never admit it to her face!). His enthusiasm for the game is fueled by his admiration for the Boston Bruins and the skillful play of Gabe Bast (#42) of the Belfast Giants.

Plays: Right-handed

Highlight:
Bailey’s mix of versatility, humor, and passion for the sport makes him a valued member of the team. Whether holding down the blue line or pushing forward as a winger, Bailey’s commitment and drive are evident every time he steps on the ice.

Andrea Chludilova

Name: Andrea Chludilová
Position: Left Wing Forward
Experience: Since March 2024

About:
Andrea Chludilová is a fiery and skilled left wing forward for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. Though she only started playing hockey in March 2024, Andrea has brought a lifetime of passion and athleticism to the ice. Inspired by her friends at the Kovárna Pub in her hometown of Osek, Czech Republic, Andrea finally fulfilled her dream of playing ice hockey, a sport she’s loved since childhood.

A loyal fan of HC Verva Litvínov and NHL star David Pastrňák, Andrea channels their playmaking brilliance into her own game. Known for her no-nonsense attitude and creative playmaking, Andrea might be small in stature, but she takes no nonsense from anyone on or off the ice.

Plays: Right-handed
Country Flag: 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

Beyond Hockey:
Outside of hockey, Andrea has an impressive 25-year career in football and currently plays for Corsham Ladies FC. She also enjoys skiing, motorbikes, and spending time with her cats. Her versatility and adventurous spirit are evident in everything she does, both on and off the ice.

Highlight:
Andrea’s combination of skill, grit, and creativity makes her a standout playmaker for the Swindon Avalanche B Team. Her journey into hockey reflects her determination and love for the game, inspiring both her teammates and fans alike.