Ice-hockey: Streatham boosted by back-to-back home wins
Streatham take to the road this weekend after back-to-back home wins lifted spirits in SW16.
After a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Basingstoke Bison the previous week, the RedHawks followed up with an 8-1 thumping of rivals Invicta Dynamos last weekend in front of the biggest crowd of the season at Streatham Arena.
A hat-trick from centre man Ryan Webb, a brace from Leigh Jamieson and lone goals for Adam Carr, Ziggy Beesley and Tom Soar within the first two periods sealed the points in the win over the Mo’s.
However it was the scoreless third period that proved to be the main talking point of the evening.
Invicta goalie Conor Morris sparked the drama after sensationally getting sent off for slashing Jacob Ranson. With no back-up goalie on the bench, the Mo’s were forced to dress defenseman Harrison Lillis as their netminder with the alternative being a forfeited match.
RedHawks coach Jeremy Cornish took the sportsmanship route and instructed his team not to rack up the score, so what ensued was a final 20 minutes devoid of attacking intent in front of a large crowd, some of whom were at their first game and understandably confused as a result.
“It was an unusual situation and not one any of us wanted to see,” said Cornish. “It was an important game for us coming off the back of the win over the Bison and one the Dynamos would have earmarked as a potential win too.
“We did all the damage in the first two periods and kept our discipline, so from that angle it was pleasing.”
Streatham now face the top two teams in the league away from home with a trip to Swindon Wildcats on Saturday night followed by a game at Peterborough Phantoms on Sunday.
“It’s obvious both games will be a big test for the team. We are starting to get guys back from injury with Jordan Gregory returning last week on defence,” said Cornish. “We should be in a good position to test ourselves against the top two.
“What’s important is that we put in two good performances. We’ve played both teams already this year so we know what they are about and we’ll go ready to play.”
Streatham are likely to be without defenseman Rupe Quiney again through injury, forward Josh Condren is still ruled out with concussion after taking a blow to the head in the Bison game.
Streatham return to home ice on January 27 when they host Bracknell Bees.
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