Ice-hockey: New Streatham coach confident he has squad to challenge for silverware

BY DAVID CARR

New Streatham coach Adam Carr has had to mastermind a busy summer of transfers as the club gets set to compete in the new-look National Ice Hockey League South 1.

The RedHawks find themselves back in familiar company with old rivals Chelmsford Chieftains, Oxford City Stars, Slough Jets and Invicta Dynamos after another league restructure restored the old English Premier League to the UK hockey hierarchy, albeit under a new name of the National League.

Peterborough, Swindon, Basingstoke, Raiders IHC and Bracknell have stepped back up to the new look second tier – the departure of those clubs from NIHL South has left Streatham as one of the bigger clubs in the league, with expectations high that the team are in a position to end a trophy drought of several decades.

“When I took the job, I wanted to put together I team that I think can win every trophy we play for – I believe we have done that,” said rookie coach Carr, in his first coaching role following the departure of Jeremy Cornish this summer. “We have a great mix of what we need to win silverware – speed, skill, toughness and real good characters in the room that will buy into how I want the team to be.”

Carr has had to make a number of changes thanks to departures of nine players for differing reasons. Last year’s top scorer Alex Roberts was snapped up by French side Mont Blanc and fellow Canadian Andreas Siagris opted for a return home after completing his studies at Imperial College in South Kensington. Forward Tom Soar has joined Solihull Barons, Ryan Webb switched to Bracknell Bees and Jacob Ranson opted to leave for pastures new.

Eyebrows have been raised in some quarters at the arrival of controversial forward Ryan Watt who was signed from Bracknell despite being banned for seven games for an incident towards the back end of last season. Watt’s skill level is suited to a higher level so Carr is banking on the former EPL and Elite League player lighting the lamp rather than sitting in the penalty box this season and has faith he will do so.

Carr’s ability to persuade league all-star defenceman Michael Farn, star goalie Damien King and a good core of last year’s squad to stay at the club, plus lure (among others) former GB u20 international Vanya Antonov to the team from Bracknell has raised supporters’ expectations that this could finally be Streatham’s year.

“Obviously there have been a few changes to the team, some tough decisions I had to make and others that were out of my control, but I’m really pleased and excited about the team we have put together” explained Carr, who will also be icing as a player.

“The hard work starts when we get on the ice as we prepare for the season. I’m really excited now to meet up with the boys and I know they are all raring to go and get back out in front of the High Road faithful.”

Streatham face Bracknell Hornets in a Challenge game on September 8 at Streatham Ice Arena, before starting their league campaign on September 15 at home to Slough Jets.