SWINDON Wildcats have signed Latvian defenceman Andrejs Lavrenovs ahead of the coming week's triple-header.

Cats head coach Ryan Aldridge has secured the services of the 27 year old following the departure of Canadian Dylan Row earlier in the week and the injury to talisman Jan Krajicek.

"Andrejs is a big strong defenceman that can make the first pass and take care of our end as well as taking care of business if it comes his way,'' said Aldridge.

"He is just the style of guy we are looking for right now and he has already begun to fit in well with the Wildcats locker room."

Wildcats have also agreed terms with Slovak winger Juraj Rusic on a short-term contract to complete the team's complement of four non-British trained players.

Rusic, 29, averaged over a point per game when with the Wildcats between 2005 and 2007 and has since enjoyed successful spells at Romford and Wightlink.

Having settled in the town and working locally, Rusic has featured for the National League's Oxford City Stars where has scored nine points in six games so far this season.

Wildcats take to the ice at the Link Centre on Saturday against Basingstoke Bison, in a 5.45pm face-off and then again next Wednesday in a half-term special feature against the Milton Keynes Lightning, face-off 7.30pm.

On Sunday, the team head east to face the Peterborough Phantoms.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 01793 445566 or by visiting www.swindonwildcats.com.