Ice Hockey: Slovakian forward Marek Hornak has left the Swindon npower Wildcats by mutual consent.

Hornak's future at the Link Centre was thrown into doubt last week when Canadian Joel Petkoff returned to the roster, leaving coach Peter Russell with a headache over which player to axe.

Russell opted for fellow Slovak Erik Bochna over Hornak for the double-header against Peterborough Phantoms, and Bochna repaid his faith with a fine hat-trick in Saturday's 7-6 win.

Hornak met Russell and general manager Steve Nell on Monday, when the decision was taken to release the forward from his contract.

"I don't think Marek was enjoying himself quite as much this year," said Russell."Last season he played really well but this year he has struggled a bit.

"I sat down with Marek and Steve on Monday and we all decided we needed a change.

"I hope he gets sorted out somewhere because he's a lovely lad."

Since his arrival at the Link Centre in 2005, Hornak has scored 81 goals and provided 72 assists for the Wildcats.

But a disappointing start to the 2007/08 campaign forced Russell's hand, with Hornak the one to make way.

Wildcats host Wightlink Radiers tomorrow before Sunday's trip to Bracknell Bees in the EPL Cup.

After predicting his new-look roster would gel within six to eight weeks, Russell admits he may have piled too much pressure on the players' shoulders.

The fiery Scot said: "I think that may have been a bit naive on my part.

"Maybe I was expecting too much of myself and the players, but that's just the kind of person I am.

"I believe we have a better team than last year, but the league is also much stronger.

"I have been a bit down lately but that's only because I set such high standards. I'm more determined than anybody to do well and I want the fans to see that.

"This league hasn't even started yet and some of the teams are in false positions.

"I am building a team for the future and it looks rosy because we have a great core of British players."

Russell revealed Wildcats will be without forward Robin Davison for this weekend's double-header.

Davison will undergo an MRI scan following an incident with Peterborough's Jon Cotton in Saturday's win.

Said Russell: "Robin is a massive loss to the team. He's been awesome so far and it was noticeable when he wasn't there on Sunday.

"Lee Cowmeadow is also carrying an injury but he is willing to play through it. That just shows how committed this team is to turning our season around."