Ice-hockey: Streatham gear up for start of title defence with friendly victories over Slough Jets
BY CHRISTOPHER BEAL
Streatham got ready to defend their NIHL 1 South League title with a pair of victories over the Slough Jets last weekend – winning both games 4-3.
Sunday’s match at the High Road saw a short-benched RedHawks push the game to overtime.
Saturday’s success at Slough saw Streatham pull into a two-goal lead early on at the Hangar. Jared Lane netted two minutes in before coach Ben Paynter led the way with a second goal on the breakaway after six minutes.
It took the Jets the rest of the period to respond with Kyle Bradburn answering for the hosts on 17 minutes to make it 1-1.
The second period saw Streatham extend the lead early on as George Norcliffe netted 54 seconds into the period to make it 3-1. Jared Lane made it 4-1 after 33 minutes.
Streatham were then forced into a change of netminder as Danny Milton suffered injury. Dylan Phillips stepped in and weathered the Jets offensive until the 50th minute when Jacob Minter found the net – followed six minutes later by Lewis English to make it 4-3.
The following evening Streatham handed a surprise return to Damien King, who last played for Streatham since 2022.
The opening period ended 0-0. Matt Smital in the Jets net and King – in net for Streatham – faced plenty of shots but stopped them all.
Jets broke the deadlock in the second period. Connor Redmond struck after 28 minutes to put the Jets up 1-0. Five minutes later captain Ryan Watt equalised for Streatham.
Slough struck early in the third period, after 42 minutes, Lewis English netted past King before, on 47 minutes, Ollie Hemmings-Maher made it 3-1.
Streatham threw everything at Smital and were rewarded on 56 minutes as JJ Pitchley pulled the hosts within one goal. Former Jet Roman Cathcart tied the game at 57 minutes to send the contest to overtime.
Jets saw a few chances fly wide of King’s net before Aidan Doughty redirected Jared Lane’s shot past Smital to seal the win for the RedHawks.
Streatham coach Paynter said: “We worked hard both nights. We performed well.
“There are a few things we can improve on but that is what pre-season game are for. It was good to get two wins over a team who we’re going to be battling for championships.
“So, I was pleased with how we dug deep to pull it back and get a win. Everyone’s getting there with the systems. Two new guys tonight – Roman Cathcart ties the game for us and Aidan Doughty gets the winner in OT. These guys are all here because they can play and play the way we want to – hard, physical and being direct. The new faces are fitting in well.”
Paynter also had praise for youngster Phillips on stepping up, and Damien King’s return.
He said: “It was a frantic time for me on the phone after the game last night into this morning, trying to find someone available.
“Milton being out is a big loss for us but Dylan did a great job in net, he made some big saves.
“Damo helped us out, and I wanted to see where Damien was as he hasn’t played for four years. He came out and had a massive game. He put in a great performance.”
Streatham will now get the league season and defence of their league title under way on Saturday as they face the Cardiff Fire, facing off at 5.30pm at the High Road.
PICTURES: MEL O’BRIEN/FUSIONAL