BRACKNELL, UK – After a miserable start to the season Bracknell Hornets are looking towards the play-offs as the ENL reaches its final stages. Pro Hockey News caught up with star forward Alan Lack to find out his thoughts on the season so far and his ambitions in the game.
Following a surprise play-off win in 2009/10 it has been somewhat of a transitional period for the Berkshire side as their junior recruits have advanced into the team to replace the likes of James Galazzi, Dominic Hopkins and Alex Barker who played key roles in that success before moving on.
Bracknell Hornets star Alan Lack (Tim Bowers)
One player who had a break out year in that successful Hornets side was 5ft 6 inch forward Alan Lack. A product of the club’s junior development system, the Bracknell born youngster was still combining his time with U18’s duty as silverware was obtained thanks to a two legged final victory over the Wightlink Raiders.
Two years on and with the team on an upward turn after securing some big wins since December, Lack is now one of the key guys on a team that have edged away from relegation fears.
“I personally believe we will stay up and the team have set a goal of making the play-offs” admits Lack, whose side are eight points above the drop zone after 29 games.
“We are confident that we can make it but we have key games coming up against Streatham and Slough and we know they are both fighting for survival and are close competitors”
Ironically it was back to back wins over the Redskins and Jets that provided the Hornets with the safety cushion they currently enjoy. Lack played a key role in those four fixtures and believes they were the turning point the team needed after a couple of big losing streaks.
“We struggled at the start of the season with confidence” admitted the 19 year old, who has now ditched his face cage for a half visor.
“Once we let a goal in we just seemed to accept it was going to signal a defeat and this wasn’t helped by those long streaks without a win. Having said that, the spirit in the room has been light hearted and jokey throughout”
“We got into a rut of losing and we had to try not to take things too seriously, we benefitted from not taking the defeats too hard”
Early season rumours were that Lack would be offered terms with a number of ENL clubs following a 2010/11 season where he hit 18 goals and 28 assists in 38 appearances with an eye catching 121 penalty minutes indicating another side to his game.
Fighting spirit (Flyfifer.co.uk)
With a host of suitors it was somewhat surprising that he opted to stay with his local side, but when the EPL Bees offered a two way contract it appeared to be a good decision. Unfortunately things haven’t gone quite to plan and Lack is yet to feature at the higher level this season.
“In the two way contract with the Bees I found it very hard to do work and do my hockey as well, and obviously work pays the bills for me so that always came first” explained Lack, who is a Personal Trainer and dedicated fitness enthusiast.
“I was working early mornings and late evenings and I found it very hard to get to training. But recently I have lost my job due to the economic climate and now I have time to train as much as I want on and off the ice”
“So I am hoping that I will start playing a few games for the Bees this year but you never know. I would like to take a step up into the EPL but you never know what is going to happen, especially as the ENL league is raising its standards every year”
Indeed the league standard is rising but Lack is rising to prominence despite playing on one of the teams towards the wrong end of the table. Only team captain Danny Hughes has outscored the feisty frontman who has 15 goals and 16 assists from his 25 games so far this year.
In addition to offering a goal threat, Lack has also shown a surprisingly physical side to his game with some fully committed and some might say full blooded performances that have led to him tangling with some of the league’s toughest players.
“Well what can I say” laughed Lack, who has a distinct size disadvantage over most opponents.
“A lot of the fights come from the way I play. I give 100% and get stuck in and some players just don’t like that. Obviously I think I offer more on the ice so I would rather not be in the box, but as a team we don’t really have what they would call ‘a tough guy’ like Jeremy Cornish (Wightlink), JJ McGrath (Romford) or Ali Band (Invicta) so if I have to drop the gloves then I will”
Amongst the goals again
Off the ice, Lack has launched ‘Lack Fitness’, a personal training business that offers clients support and advice on nutrition and fitness. With a well-toned athletic body, the Hornets forward is a good advertisement for his business however he is also in the last stage of an application to the Royal Marines.
“My family have a forces background so it has always interested me” explained Lack.
“I just have to pass my PRMC to be able to join the Marines, but I am currently putting a lot of thought and time into making the right choices for my future”
Whether Lack advances in hockey or follows a career path in the forces remains to be seen, however Bracknell will have to warn off a number of clubs again this summer if Lack chooses to continue his hockey career.
Bracknell face Streatham Redskins this Saturday at the Hive before another crunch game 24 hours later with a game against Slough ENL Jets.
For more information on Lack Fitness please have a look at the link below:
http://www.lackfitness.co.uk/index.htm
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.