SLOUGH Jets star Mindaugas Kieras is convinced the future is looking bright at The Hangar as his side prepare for a return to the ice this Saturday.

Kieras recently took over the ‘C’ jersey at the Jets as new head coach Craig Moran tackles the unenviable task of rebuilding the team in mid-season.

Slough lost twice to Milton Keynes Lightning in their final games of 2013, but defenceman Kieras is confidant all is not lost in the English Premier Ice Hockey League.

Speaking to the Observer, the Lithuanian explained: “We had six or seven new guys and it was very hard to put them into the system we had been playing for a year and a half.

“Individual errors maybe cost us against Milton Keynes, but as a team, everyone fought and looked good, everyone worked 100 per cent.

“This could be the future of Slough for the coming years but I need time to get everyone on the same page. It was good to have a break and we’re coming out fresh in the new year.” Slough host bottom club Telford Tigers tomorrow (Saturday, 6.30pm face/off) before a tough trip to title chasing Guildford Flames on Sunday (6pm).

“If we play like we did against Milton Keynes we have a chance to get the win,” Kieras continued. “Motivation is very important and I try to put players in the right places.

“I always believe in the system and if you get that right you can beat good teams. I try to put players in the right place and work where they have to work, not just skate all over.

“We’re still building a team, we want to improve and make it competitive. We’re aiming at the top four and will keep going.

“We will still keep looking and talking to players and the second part of the season is looking bright, that’s why I stayed.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out now, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter at @Observer_sports**