THE return of Aaron Nell put pay to the hopes of the Basingstoke Bison winning in Swindon on Saturday night as they lost 7-5.

The British forward was back in a Wildcats shirt, after a spell at Elite League Sheffield Steelers, and bagged a hat-trick in his first game back.

Nell scored the only goal of the first period, which also saw Wildcats Shane Moore and Bison’s Michael Wales both earn a four minute rest for roughing after a fight.

The second session saw the home side doubled their lead, as Adam Harding scored, but man-of-the-match Joe Miller pulled one back shorthanded.

The Wildcats then had their goalie Stevie Lyle dismissed for high sticks on Aaron Connolly.

The Herd made the most of the powerplay and led 3-2 thanks to Ciaran Long and Miroslav Vantroba.

However, Swindon were able to hit back with two shorthanded strikes from Nell and Hoog to retake the lead at 33:09.

The lead lasted just 25 seconds, as Miller tied the game and then Long made it 5-4 to the visitors.

The home side made sure honours were even at the second break as Henri Sandvik netted.

The final period saw the home side win the contest, as Nell completed his hat-trick and then in the final two minutes Sandvik made it 7-5.

The Herd will look to bounce back tonight when they face the Sheffield Steeldogs on home ice.