CHELMSFORD, UK – Chelmsford Chieftains face a make or break 48 hours as they take on the Wightlink Raiders in back to back fixtures this weekend. The Essex side head across to the Isle of Wight on Saturday before welcoming the Raiders back to the Riverside on Sunday.
Chelmsford v Wightlink (Photo by Tim Bowers)
The winner of the head to head clash will most likely face either Invicta Dynamos or Bracknell Hornets in the ENL South play-off final. For Chelmsford, an aggregate win would herald a real marker in their upturn in fortunes since departing the English Premier League almost two seasons ago. The crowds are slowly rising at the Riverside and coach Dean Birrell must take credit for putting together a talented yet youthful side. After a mid season blip the Chieftains have hit form at just the right time and their fans will be hoping the streak continues. Chelmsford won all of their final eight regular season games despatching Invicta, Bracknell and Wightlink amongst others in the process.
The average age may be low amongst the Chieftains but they still have plenty of experience to call on. Defence man Danny Wright offers a calm head on small shoulders and imports Jerry Pavlus and Rudy Dzurko are rarely ruffled.
Raiders aiming for glory
Wightlink had a less than impressive finish to their regular season as they lost three out of their last four games including a disappointing defeat in Milton Keynes. Despite this, play-off fever has hit the island and in front of an enthralled crowd at Ryde Arena two weeks ago, the Raiders put their woes behind them with a stunning 7-5 win over league runners-up Cardiff. Twenty four hours later they travelled to Wales and sent shockwaves through the league by smashing Cardiff’s season long unbeaten record with a 4-1 win. The subsequent controversy of the EIHA’s decision to reverse the 7-5 victory in Cardiff’s favour, because of Wightlink icing an illegible player, has set off a spark within the island’s community. The local press have backed the Raiders and formerly disgruntled fans seem to have re-joined the team in a combined siege mentality.
With Cardiff now out of the competition, Raiders player-coach Cornish has a great chance to harness the anger of the fans and players and direct it towards Chelmsford. The Raiders will need to post a strong result on home ice if they want to stand any chance of progressing.
Two games, two days, two sets of noisy fans and two teams with a point to prove. Prohockeynews.com looks at where the battles can be won and lost.
Key battles:
Clements gets chance (Photo by Tim Bowers)
Cooley v Clements – Both goalies are likely to be busy, especially in the game on the smaller pad in the Isle of Wight. Cooley served his apprenticeship as a back up in the EPL but the local stopper is now enjoying sharing equal ice for the Raiders with Matt Colclough. Clements started as second choice behind Andy Moffat at the start of the season, but due to circumstance got his chance for the Chieftains. It is the Chelmsford goalie that has the best save average but statistics don’t always tell the full story where goalies are concerned.
Tanner restricted (Photo by Tim Bowers)
Williams v Tanner – Both of these players will drop the gloves if necessary this weekend, yet both are useful on the ice to their teams, but in different ways. Williams has contributed 23 points this season for the Chieftains and plays as a forward. Former Solent player Tanner is a decent defence man who can move up front if necessary. Both of these players have a switch that if pushed can see either have an attack of the red mist. Due to a lack of bodies, Tanner may be restricted in his participation in the rough stuff early on.
Where there%27s trouble%2Cthere%27s Tait
Tait v Novak – Two agitators who can also score goals. Tait has plenty of experience having iced previously with Slough Jets. Novak is one of the most talked about youngsters in the ENL, but often because of his chippy style as much as his goals. Tait gets less headlines in a Raiders team dominated by the presence of Jeremy Cornish, however if there is trouble about he is usually lurking around somewhere. Both players have over 50 points with Novak on 56 and Tait on 52 in the regular season. Novak and Tait can score some important goals this weekend if they don’t allow themselves to be distracted by off the puck issues.
Hammond deadly in front of goal
Hammond v Hughes – Two of the top scorers in the league go head to head in the most important weekend of their season so far. Forty two goals in the regular season may give Hammond some decisions in the summer as to what his next step is. Hughes will also be a target for a number of teams in the summer but for now both of these players will want to finish their season in style. Hughes also Captains his side so has additional responsibility that Hammond does not have to worry about. If either of these bring their ‘A’ game then the opposition will need to be focused at the back. Hammond slightly loses out in the experience stakes however this is unlikely to matter.
Birrell on the bench
Cornish v Birrell – It is hard to say who has the advantage here. Dean Birrell can focus on his lines and selection from the bench without the extra distraction of playing. Having said that, there is no doubt Birrell would have loved to be playing in this kind of game had he not retired a few years ago. What Cornish concedes off the ice, he can make up with a personal impact on the ice. The big Canadian has been amongst the goals this year, as well as revelling in being the toughest guy in the league. There is no doubt that the two would have clashed on the ice had they met a few years ago, however Birrell will have to outsmart him wearing a suit rather than kit.
Previous results 2009/10
Sunday 1st November 2009 – Chelmsford 8 Wightlink 1
Saturday 31 January 2010 – Wightlink 5 Chelmsford 1
Sunday 1 February 2010 – Chelmsford 3 Wightlink 4
Saturday 20 March 2010 – Wightlink 1 Chelmsford 4
Fixtures this weekend are Saturday 10 April @ Isle of Wight face off 18.00, Sunday @ Chelmsford face off 18.30.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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