English National League 2 South Preview part 2

Bristol ENL 2 Pitbulls

Head Coach (Acting) Richie Hargreaves

Team Manager Mark Egerton

Well the first year in the league for the ENL2 Bristol Pitbulls wasn’t exactly a huge success from a winning standpoint. Battling with the now defunct Streatham Bruins for avoiding the wooden spoon, they struggled to get a huge number of “W”s. However if success is measured by effort and attitude then Bristol won the league in that respect. Being a place for overage former junior players, it was a huge stepping stone for regular ice time and bridging the gap for the younger players into senior hockey for the first time. A few experienced players came in to aid their development. Former EPL player big Adi Smith quit playing Rec hockey and got back into competitive league hockey for the first time in quite a few years. Finishing the season as their top points scorer he showed he still has a knack for scoring with some 20 odd goals and 30 plus points. They also benefited from some of the talented juniors that stepped up when fixtures didn’t clash as Miley Mcnama and Graham Egerton all made huge strides over the course of the season. Paul Davies, Adam Young and robust youngster Liam Williams all acquitted themselves well. This year several from the ENL1 side have joined with defenceman Dan Mann and Matt Thornhill coming in. Import and Pro Hockey News writer Janne Virtanen returns. Returnees include Tom Egerton, Andy Salter, Dave Hopton and Matt Phelon. Newcomer in net is Steve Evans who steps up from rec. Expect it to be another tough year for the Pitbulls. With another young side, Adi Smith will be relied upon for goals, but one man can’t carry the load. However another year of development is the priority for them, not the win column.

Slough ENL 2 Jets

Head Coach Adam Greener

Team Manger Tom Milton

Well with the  team last season gaining promotion on its first attempt, the Slough club felt the need to keep a team in ENL2 as the abundance of youngsters still need somewhere to play to continue in the sport. So EPL player Adam Greener who is also Head Coach held try outs and has assembled a team with several of last season side returning. Promising net minder Danny Milton returns, as does forward Tom Bradbury, utility guy Lee Hardy, Sam Shone and Stuart Mogg. A much changed team for the Jets will more than likely see this as a transitional year. Expected to be in the lower half of the table, no doubt they will want to prove to the rest of the league that wont be the case. They have a mainly young side similar to Bristol, but with a few experienced players, they will be looking to progress the team as a whole for Slough hockey. Whether any players on are on two way contracts with the sister ENL1 side, would probably be more than likely given the hot topic of several EPL young brits icing for the ENL1 side.

Romford Fury

Head Coach Simon Kears

Team Manager Mark Bidder

Romford Fury announced most of their team late on, with most of last years players all returning. There has been some new blood join though. Most notably penalty box king and former London Racer and Lee Valley Lions man Dave Richards has made Rom Valley Way his home for the 2011/12 season. He will be joined (in the penalty box) more than likely by returning forward Chris Lawes. With the two of them in the line up, a game in Romford certainly wont be a dull affair. Up front Dan Peters, Sam Park, Mel Bidder give the side a very familiar look. Also former Raider Stuart Low returns after playing a few games last year. Alan Blythe and Ian Sheppard will be the net minding tandem. Romford need to improve their consistency if they are top move up the league table and challenge the top sides. It could be another season of disappointment or improvement. Discipline and how the team approaches games will determine were the Fury will finish.

Cardiff Satans

Head Coach Ben Smith

Team Manager Dave Newton

New coach Ben Smith will be well prepared leading his youthful troops into battle, to coin a phrase. Having been the assistant coach at the Cardiff ENL1 Devils last season, that experience should prove a blessing in disguise for the former defenceman. Having concentrated heavily on coaching the last few seasons, he knows that role well. He has defenceman Tom Smith and tough enforcer Ross Wilkinsion returning to aid the cause. Awarding the captaincy to his younger brother Tom, with Wilkinson gaining an “A” on  his chest. They will provide the leadership and Ross the toughness to keep the opposition on their toes. Net minding will fall to Luke Takel and ENL 1 net minder Mike Brabon’s younger brother Daniel. Coach Smith was philosophical on the targets for the season- “Giving every team in the league at tough game ,and bringing on the great juniors we have here in Cardiff”.  This is his priority, as showing with the likes of Josh Haslem, who is now with the ENL 1 Devils.

Swindon ENL Wildcats Head Coach Ian Clarke

Team Manager TBA

Relegated from ENL1 after a baptism of fire last season, its back to the familiar surroundings of ENL 2. After their dismal campaign a number of players have left to continue in their pursuit of playing at ENL1 level. Former Player Coach Jamie Newton has moved onto Bristol Pitbulls and with Grant Richardson also Cardiff bound the talented junior development will once again be utilised to full great effect. Ian Clarke comes in as Head Coach after treading the coaching waters with the ENL2 Pitbulls last year. Following him to the Link centre are defenceman Chris Moore as well as young net minder Craig Sutherland. A team that is extremely young there could be the odd one or two older heads signed late on, discounting veteran Clarke. Its likely to be another fast skating well drilled outfit in Swindon, however with some much improved sides in the division, Swindon will have a job on their hands if they think they will go straight to the top of the pile .

Invicta Mustangs

Head Coach Ali Rodger /Tim Schofield

Team Manager Sharon Meaney

Down in Gillingham players news has been slow to materialise with only net minder Matt Daubney and forward Greg Hales being the only players announced so far. Its expected the like Harrison Lillis and big forward Matt Drake should more than likely return. With the majority of last seasons team all set to return, familiarity will be all too well down in Invicta’s camp. They had a decent season, giving most teams a hard fought game. Several of their Under 18s were well used. The other benefit as a whole was the inclusion of several of the side playing up for the Dynamos. Dan Fudger being a prime example, having now signed full time with the big club. Tom Dennis was another making the transition a smooth one. So they’re developing their players well, which is what ENL 2 should be all about for every club. With news thin on the ground it’s difficult to predict what sort of year they could have, but home ice will be a tricky proposition for most visiting teams no doubt.

Oxford ENL 2 City Stars

Head Coach Jeff Sykora

Team Manager Cliff Jones

Having the title of giant-killers to a certain extent, the Stars were certainly a thorn in the side of all the bigger clubs. Big come from behind victories at home to Wightlink Tigers when trailing 6-2 to eventually win 9-8 and laying claim to denting Solent and Gosport’s league bid. They will once again be a tough nut to crack in 2011/12. With the young talented brothers Nick and Joe Oliver and Sam Broughton all returning they have a good young side. Marlon Williams and defencman James Clarke bring the calmness experience and leadership. Net minders James Skaife and Ricky Young are back to provide a good tandem in goal. Expect the Stars to upset quite a lot of teams this season.

So there you have it, all 13 teams looked at. Will Solent and Gosport pull through this time? Who will get the wooden spoon? Well after the next 7 months or so, all will become clear. One thing for certain is is sure to be a up and down season for all. Enjoy your hockey till next time… Chris Randall Got a comment? Comment@Prohockeynews.com