Oxford searching for goals to build on good start

OXFORD, UK – Oxford City Stars Head Coach Ken Forshee believes it is only a matter of time before his side start firing on all cylinders.
Oxford fans tend to be a realistic bunch however they must have been impressed with a three point weekend that saw their team grind out a hard fought 2-2 draw with Wightlink Raiders before beating last season’s play-off champions Bracknell Hornets 3-2 at Oxpens Road. The Stars now lie in third position in the table, just behind Invicta and Wightlink.

“We did certain things this weekend that I have been trying to get these guys to do all year, and it paid off” admitted Forshee.
“It showed me that we are getting better in certain areas and heading in the right direction as a team. We play a simple game and I am hoping that this strategy leads to fewer inconsistencies within our game throughout the year”
“Everyone knows it is never easy to get a point on the Island so I was happy to get out of there with that. Then against Bracknell we got up 3-1 and I have to give the Hornets credit because they never gave up,
“They are young with lots of energy and they kept coming at us in the 3rd period. But our goaltending and team defence is what allowed the score to stay in our favour. So I was pleased with that. But we know need to concentrate and scoring some goals”
Scoring goals was a potential issue highlighted pre-season and despite the good form of Darren Elliott up front, the Stars are relying on low scoring victories to gather their points. With a lot of other ENL teams opting for two import forwards, the Stars bucked that trend by opting to sign Swedish goalie Robin Lindva. The Stockholm stopper has earned rave reviews from fans across the league and whilst it is still early in the season, the Coach can rightly feel his decision has been vindicated.

“To be honest Robin’s play has been terrific and he has been our best player” said Forshee, who signed the Swede on a recommendation from a former team mate.
“The great thing about him though is his attitude. He came to our team with the mindset that he wanted to prove himself and hopefully in the future advance to a higher league. He is very low maintenance, never complains, has a great work ethic and is very well liked and respected in the room,
“We needed a goalie coming into the season and I felt our best option was to go with Robin as our import. It is working out and like I said earlier if we can find our offensive game then I think we are capable of having a real good season”
A good season for the Stars would be a prolonged flirtation in and around the top of the league. Last season they finished mid table but aside from a surprise 7-1 defeat at home to Chelmsford, they have looked competitive against every team they have faced this year.
“I am satisfied with where we are at in the standings but at the same time I look back and there are a few “what ifs” said Forshee.
“We need to stop taking needless undisciplined penalties and also our offense still hasn’t really kicked in yet. A few of our offensive guy’s just haven’t got it going yet. But I am confident they will and it’s only a matter of time before they do.
“Having said all that, if you had told me before the season started that we would be two points off first place and sitting in third by this stage I definitely would have taken that”

With eighteen goals and thirty four assists last season, Forshee’s presence on the bench means that they are lacking one of their top goal scorers from the last campaign. Far from being tempted to go out there and try and make things happen himself, the Canadian is quite happy to make his contribution off the ice.
“I am enjoying being back on the bench” said Forshee. “I have wanted to get back behind it pretty much ever since I left Swindon. For the most part I haven’t got the itch to get back out their because I am content with accepting the fact that my playing days are over,
“The rare time I have got the itch is when I see us struggle in a certain area where I think I can help. Our power play has struggled this year and at times I have asked myself if I should be out there helping to get it done. But the reality is my playing days are over and I want to concentrate on the coaching again and hopefully progress in coaching as much as I can”
So with an ambitious young Coach, an in-form goalie and a squad in good form, Oxford fans can look forward to the next few weeks with optimism. Next up are three consecutive home games, with Swindon, Milton Keynes and Streatham all visiting Oxpens Road in October.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com