Ice-hockey: Streatham’s Ben Russell seeking momentum ahead of play-off test
Streatham defenceman Ben Russell admits that the upcoming fixtures don’t get any easier for the RedHawks as they look to head into the play-offs with some momentum.
The South London side put in an excellent display against likely league champions Swindon Wildcats last weekend, but eventually lost 4-1.
The consolation strike came from Adam Carr.
“We were actually pretty unlucky” explained Russell, who was handed man of the match for his display at the back. “A few more bounces our way, and minimising on our mistakes, it could have been a different scoreline.”
“We outshot them, and that’s a credit to the lads. We are trying to get some momentum going for the play-offs, and the last few weeks we have been playing well and building towards it.”
The play-offs begin at the end of March with a quarter-final match-up likely against any of Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees or Peterborough Phantoms. The RedHawks face two of those teams in the league this weekend, hosting the Phantoms on Saturday and then travelling to the Bees on Sunday.
“It’s another tough weekend for us, no doubt,” said Russell.
“We need to send a message that we can’t be taken lightly. It’s a test for us, but it’s also psychological.
“Recent results against the top sides haven’t been great but we have been playing well.
“Ultimately we need to give ourselves the belief that we can win against these teams.
“It’s actually a good opportunity for all of us to prepare, because when it comes to the knockout stages we know anything can happen.”
Streatham continue to suffer from a mini-injury crisis with defencemen James Warman and Jordan Gregory sidelined along with forward Josh Condren and goalie Nate Gregory.
Influential Canadian forward Andreas Siagris will also be missing. He is flying off to represent GB Universities in Siberia at the Universidad games this week.