ISLE OF WIGHT, UK – Wightlink Raiders Coach Jeremy Cornish has added to his table topping squad today by swooping for Sheffield Steeldogs forward Richard Bentham.
In a surprising move by both parties, Bentham has made the switch to the Isle of Wight based Raiders after a very brief stint with the Steeldogs of the English Premier League. Wightlink are Bentham’s third team of an already hectic 2010/11 season for the twenty year old, who had originally started the year with the Blackburn Hawks.
“Sheffield called me up earlier in the season and asked me to sign up with the Steeldogs” explained Bentham, who also played junior hockey in Nottingham. “I ended up playing four games and was enjoying the challenge at Sheffield, but the travelling was a bit too heavy from Blackburn four times a week”
Bentham in action second from left (www.kipax.com)
“Corny (Cornish) had been in touch since the start of the season and has been keen to sign me so I decided to take the plunge and move down for a new challenge. I trained last night for the first time and liked what I saw. The guys all seem a good group and everything is well set up here on the island”
Bentham joins a team currently in good form and sitting pretty in English National League South. The Raiders enjoyed a three point weekend last time out and can make it five consecutive home wins in a row if they can overcome Milton Keynes this coming weekend. After playing regularly in English National League (ENL) North for the past three seasons, a move to ENL South can bring a new perspective on this level of hockey for a young hockey player.
“I would be lying if I said I know much about the league” admitted Bentham. “I have spent the vast majority of my career so far in the North so it will all be new to me. Playing up North, you can get sick of playing the same team’s week in and week out, so that is another reason why this move is so exciting”
“I have heard the ENL South is a slightly stronger set up than the North and that is another plus point for me. I can’t wait to get started this weekend and am looking forward to doing my best and showing the Raiders fans what I can offer”
Good times on island (Nicky Kraft)
Normally a centre man, Bentham is likely to play on the wing for the Raiders, who already have a number of quality young forwards such as Robbie Brown and Nathan Taylor. Head Coach Cornish is confident that former Great Britain junior international Bentham can slot into his side.
“I’ve brought him in to add a little offense” said Cornish, who has scouted far and wide this season to improve on last seasons sixth place finish. “Richard is the type of player that I want over on the island. He’s young, got good size and skill and wants to advance his hockey career to the highest level possible. I’m expecting him to slot in one of the forward lines and help balance some of the offensive responsibilities. We need to continue to improve and I hope that Richard will help us with that”
Bentham has a reputation for a feisty temperament and joins a Raiders side not short on aggression. A whopping 165 penalty minutes in only 15 games last year for Blackburn give an indication that fans can expect some interesting times at the Cube in the coming weeks with Bentham icing alongside the likes of Brad Watchorn, Andrew Robinson, Stewart Tait and of course Cornish himself, all players who have a spark.
For his part, Bentham maintains that Cornish played a big part in his move to the Island and is looking forward to working with him.
“Jeremy obviously has a strong background, having played at the top level in this country” said Bentham. “He has had a successful career and as a young player still learning my game I am hoping that I can learn from him and improve my game”
“I have been lucky working with some good coaches at international level, so I want to build on this opportunity and give it my best shot. I am confident in my own ability and hope that this season can turn out a successful one both for the club and also on a personal level as well”
Bentham should make his debut on Saturday against a Milton Keynes Thunder side, still on a high after beating Swindon last weekend. The Thunder had been struggling prior to that Swindon game, however on their last visit to the island in September they caused a major upset by holding the Raiders to a 3-3 tie.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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