Ice-hockey: Streatham can clinch NIHSL1 title this weekend if they win both matches
BY DAVID CARR
Streatham edged closer to the NIHLS1 title after a 3-0 win in front of a sell-out crowd in Bristol last weekend.
Despite missing Ryan Watt, Tom Annetts, Scott Bailey, Brandon Miles and Andy Cook, the RedHawks continued their winning streak with a backs-to-the-wall performance.
Top-scorer and man of the match Vanya Antonov bagged two goals for Michael Farn’s men, with captain Ben Paynter also on target. Netminder Nate Gregory secured a 37-shot shutout and was saluted by the travelling support at the final buzzer.
“For once it was good to have a one-game weekend, especially given the players we had out,” said Farn.
“We were short on numbers and there was a big crowd in, so we knew we’d be up against it.
“It’s probably only the second game all season where we’ve been outshot and Nate proved the quality he has by earning a well deserved shutout. He’s got the ability to be a starter for any team in this league and we’re lucky to have such strong depth between the pipes.
“We had to ride the storm in the second period but it was a good performance and that takes us another step closer to the title.”
Streatham face Bristol again on the road this weekend in a rescheduled fixture, before hosting Solent Devils on Sunday. If they win both games they will be crowned league champions and retain their title.
