SLOUGH Jets netminder Danny Milton believes the team is learning all the time as they prepare for a return to action this Saturday.

The Jets ended the calendar year with back-to-back defeats against Milton Keynes Lightning as new head coach Craig Moran tackles the difficult task of rebuilding the squad.

He has promoted unknown quantities such as JJ Pitchley and Ryan Webb, and Milton is confident the young stars can only improve as the season progresses.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer, he said: “The younger guys that are coming up are not used to this kind of experience but they have stepped up.

“I think they’ve learnt a lot, especially with the more experienced players, but they have got to benefit from the positives, there is no point in being negative. We’ve got to be upbeat, positive and be happy.

“We took a lot from Milton Keynes. I thought we did a pretty good job with the team we had because for most of them it was their first weekend in this league.

“We had the same attitude to work hard, play our best, be confident and just have fun. I think that was the main thing and that’s what we did.” Slough return to English Premier Ice Hockey League action in seventh position level on points with rival club Bracknell Bees.

The Jets host bottom club Telford Tigers at The Hangar this Saturday (6.30pm face/off) before a difficult trip to title-chasing Guildford Flames on Sunday (6pm).

Milton says further signings would boost his side with confidence and that they have benefited from a festive break.

“I think a break is good, but we’re still going to keep training and working hard for the New Year,” he said.

“The mood in the changing room is pretty good, but with the couple of players we could be getting in, I’m hoping it will get a lot better.

“The position we are in at the moment is where we want to stay. Whatever players have gone, going, or coming, that’s about where we want to stay.

“The targets and goals we want to achieve, I think we still can.

“Everyone is going to work hard and do their best and hopefully, as a team, we will come through.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out every Friday, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter at @Observer_sports**