ALEX Symonds is hoping that Milton Keynes Lightning’s luck against Swindon Wildcats is out when the two sides clash for the sixth time this term on Sunday.

The Coventry Skydome-based side have won four of their previous encounters with Cats only success coming at the Link Centre in January.

But the former Great Britain Under 20 international is hoping that Cats can finally stop the Lightning strike in the West Midlands.

“Their luck against us can’t last forever,” the Welshman said. “I also want them in the play-offs because the law of averages says we are due win on their rink.”

But the 25-year-old defender knows that it will take more than just ice hockey ability if Wildcats are to get anything out of this weekend, which also see the Link Centre side visit EPL leaders Basingstoke Bison tomorrow.

“We need to have the right mental attitude as well,” Symonds said. “Basingstoke are flying at the moment - especially on their own rink.

“But if we can go there with the right mental approach hopefully we can get something out of what is going to be a tough weekend for us.”

Having joined Wildcats from Bison in the closed season, Symonds believes that the Hampshire side have improved from his time at the Planet Ice Silverdome.

“I think that they have stepped up a level from last year,” he said. “They have lost a couple guys like Joe Miller but they have got players like Nicky Chinn.

“They have added experience and flair, something that they didn’t really have last year and it shows how much they have improved.”

What is a concern for Wildcats is that they have lost their last three games on the road and with six of the final eight matches away from Swindon, the ex-Cardiff Devils man knows that form has to change.

“We need to focus as individuals,” Symonds said. “We have to be better because we want to be in the best position we can be for the play-offs.

“If we can start to get some wins away from our own rink then that will put us in good stead for the play-offs.”