Wightlink clinch league title

ISLE OF WIGHT, UK – Wightlink Raiders sealed the English National League South Division 1 league title as they beat Cardiff 9-0 on the island in a predictably feisty affair. The trophy is just reward for a club that is back on the rise after struggling for a number of years.

  Under the tutorage of thirty one year old former Newcastle Vipers’ and Sheffield Steelers’ enforcer Jeremy Cornish, the island side have beaten off competition from Romford Raiders, Chelmsford Chieftains and eight time league winners Invicta Dynamos to lift the trophy in the most exciting title race in ENL South history.   It was perhaps fitting that the league should be won on home ice in front of a loyal fan base who have not had the easiest of times in recent seasons. After a number of last place finishes in the English Premier League the Raiders dropped to the ENL in 2009/10, however any thoughts of walking the league were soon dismissed as the club managed only a mid-table position.  A much improved play-off campaign in which the Raiders were narrowly beaten by the Bracknell Hornets in the final, proved the catalyst for Cornish to begin an early summer recruitment spree that would ultimately end in glory.   Controversial decisions to release last season’s top scorer Danny Hughes and solid defenseman Luke Reynolds were a risk, however few could argue that Cornish has been proved correct in the end with his restructuring efforts.   Canadian forward Jason Gorrie arrived full of confidence and even as far back as June he was excited at the prospect of playing for the Raiders.   “I am expecting some quality hockey” Gorrie told Pro Hockey News in an interview at the time.   “I will be looking to make an impact right away, and hopefully we can get off to a good start, and win as many games as possible. As long as we win, I’ll do whatever it takes”   Wightlink didn’t exactly get off to a good start and stuttered with a loss in Oxford and a tie at home against Milton Keynes Thunder within their first three games. Despite this early setback, Wightlink remained confident, and forward Alex Murray reassured fans of the Raiders ambition when he spoke to Pro Hockey News in September.   “The team looks good, and the guys who have come on board this year are looking really good” explained the former Solent sniper.   “We should be up there at the top this year, challenging for honours”  Murray’s confidence proved to be well founded as he and his team mates went on to lose only once in their next twelve fixtures (a disappointing 5-2 reverse at home to Romford). With Invicta dropping points and both Chelmsford and Romford still catching up due to delays in the fixture list, Wightlink began to settle in at the top of the league table.   This lofty position prompted caution from Coach Cornish who was only well aware of the advantage his side had been given due to the games in hand over their rivals.   “We have given away a few points this season that I wish we could have back” admitted the Canadian in an interview with Pro Hockey News in October.   “The team is really coming together and I just think it’s still way too early to guess what’s going to happen, I think when Chelmsford and Romford catch up game wise we will see a clearer picture”   “It’s going to be tough to win the league with so many good teams in the league this year, but as I’ve said before we have long term goals on the island and just improving year after year is our main goal”   A sharp dose of reality hit the Raiders in November as they went down 3-2 in Kent against the reigning champions Invicta; however this only spurred the team on as they went on an incredible 23 game unbeaten streak, aided in part by mid-season signings Richard Facey and Richard Bentham from Bracknell Bees and Sheffield Steeldogs respectively.*  Cornish put the success down to a team spirit and this was backed up by a number of interviews given by the players over that period, including young hotshot Robbie Brown, whose enthusiasm for the club was evident when he spoke to Pro Hockey News in January.   “The team chemistry is great and there isn’t a guy on the team I could say a bad word about” explained the former Belfast Giants and Solway Sharks forward.   “Everybody gets on like they have known each other for years and that is a real plus point for a first place team to have”   Despite a 7-2 loss in Romford against the Raiders, Wightlink went on to beat Swindon and Cardiff comfortably to delight the island’s hockey community and confirm themselves as league champions.   Wightlink sit top of the table with thirty wins from forty games, scoring 225 goals and conceding only 88 goals in the process. They are the first club to finish higher than Invicta Dynamos at this level for over 8 years and must now relax and rest for three weeks before the start of the play-offs.   Key games that won the title:   25 September 2010 – Wightlink Raiders 4 Invicta Dynamos 2   Following a disappointing 3-3 tie in front of their own fans against Milton Keynes Thunder, Wightlink started nervously against the reigning league champions and were down 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Liam Chong. New signing Nathan Taylor promptly equalised and then two goals in the last two minutes from Damon Larter and Robbie Brown gave the Raiders a massive win and psychological boost.   15 January 2011 – Wightlink Raiders 8 Chelmsford Chieftains 3 After stuttering in the two previous league games with a disappointing 3-3 tie in Bracknell followed by a fortunate 4-4 tie in Essex against the Chieftains, any thoughts that the Raiders were wobbling at the top were banished as they destroyed a surprisingly lacklustre Chieftains side on the island.   26 February 2011 – Wightlink Raiders 2 Romford Raiders 1 With the visitors on a strong run of 13 consecutive wins and mathematically able to catch the Raiders, Wightlink knew that a slip up could have dire consequences for their title bid. Despite an early Danny Marshall goal, Wightlink held their nerve in front of a packed Ryde Arena to grab a close fought wins courtesy of goals from Steve Gosset and Jason Gorrie.   The League Championship squad:   Netminders   #93 Matt Colclough – Twenty year old stopper, who has made a big impact in what is a break out year for the former Guildford Junior. Dislodged long term goalie Toby Cooley as starter and has stayed in form, and injury free this season, much to the relief of Coach Cornish.   #1 Toby Cooley – A veteran of thirteen seasons with the Raiders, Cooley played a big part at the start of the season, however ended up retiring before Christmas due to extended work commitments.   Defence   #3 Steve Gannaway – If anyone deserves success in the Raiders ranks it is the experienced Gannaway. The stay at home defenseman has played a big part in ensuring Wightlink have one of the meanest units in the league.   #28 Dom Hopkins – Another player full of experience and a play-off winner with Bracknell in 2009/10. Hopkins has been prolific from the point, firing in nineteen goals and providing a dangerous outlet on the power play with his big slap shot.*  #61 Dan Scott – Former Nottingham prospect Scott, is yet another big defenseman on the Raiders roster measuring a towering 6’2” without skates on. A consistent presence on the ice, Scott has been a virtual ever present in the line-up.   #24 Niall Bound – Youngster who picks up a medal in his first full season with the Raiders, having come through their junior development programme. Bound has benefitted from additional ice time compared with last season.   #7 Damon Larter – Despite an unorthodox style of hockey, Captain fantastic Larter is arguably the Raiders most consistent defenseman and has played every game of the league campaign. Another home grown talent, Larter will be overjoyed to lift some silverware on home ice.   Forwards   #32 Robbie Brown – Quick agile and with a key eye for goal, Brown has brought his goal scoring form south from Solway, with thirty six goals to his name. Brown’s good form has not gone unnoticed and he has also appeared for Basingstoke in the EPL this season as part of a two-way deal.  #73 Alex Murray – After a fantastic season in 2009/10, Murray continued to shine up front for the Raiders with nineteen goals for the team. Capable of playing in either defence or as a centre, Murray is proving to be a key cog in the Raiders wheel year on year.   #2 Richard Bentham – Known for his short temper along with a talent for the game, Bentham was a surprise mid-season signing for the team, however the chirpy Northerner had no problems settling into island life and added grit to the line-up.   #18 Richard Facey – Another mid-season signing by Cornish, Facey brought size and strength to the Raiders forward line, after joining from Bracknell Bees in the EPL. Twenty goals in 36 games highlights how good a signing he has been this season.   #9 Jason Gorrie – Twenty four year old Canadian sniper Gorrie has proven a hit on the island, as he has posted 40 goals this season putting him up with the league leaders. After last season’s import failed to work out, Cornish will be delighted that Gorrie has lasted the distance.  #14 Josh Florey – Former Oxford and Basingstoke forward Florey has been a valuable squad member, often icing on the fourth line. After a good scoring return in ENL 2 in 2009/10, Florey will be hoping to build on this title winning campaign in ENL 1, with a good year and extended ice time in 2011/12.   #13 Kieran Annis – Another forward from the Raiders fourth line, Annis has also iced with the ENL 2 side Wightlink Tigers. Fresh from the Isle of Wight Junior development club, Annis is another who can use this experience to push on in 2011/12.   #23 Andrew Robinson – Thirty year old Robinson is a veteran of the Raiders exploits in the EPL and has offered hard hitting toughness to the Raiders campaign this season. ‘Robbo’ has dropped the gloves when needed and offered protection to the Raiders skilled forward line.   #19 Stewart Tait – The former Slough and Streatham utility player adds a chippy and hard-nosed style of play that gets under opposition players skin. Five goals and twenty six assists have been Tait’s contribution along with a not inconsiderable 78 minutes in penalties.   #77 Brad Watchorn   – Part time cage fighter and former play-off winner with Bracknell, Watchorn’s 100% drive and commitment make him a big crowd favourite and whilst his enthusiasm can sometime get the better of him, he has proved a key component of the team with eleven goals and twenty one assists, along with over 150 minutes in penalties.   #20 Nathan Taylor – Former Whitley Warrior Taylor has proved a hit on the island with his smooth skating and puck handling ability. Sixteen goals and fifteen assists have been a decent return for the Geordie, as is a league winner’s medal.  #11 Jeremy Cornish – The Player Coach has had a fantastic year, both on and off the ice and has justified the Raiders decision to stick with him in his second season as coach. 132 penalty minutes are standard for the former full time enforcer but Cornish will be more pleased with his return of nineteen goals and twenty eight assists.   #12 Steve Gosset – In his seventh season with the club, Gosset has been a regular on the third and fourth line this season, popping up with a few important goals along the way. Gosset has spent virtually his entire senior career with the club and this season will undoubtedly be a highlight.   Also appeared this season: Dan Weller-Evans, James Francis and Kevin Tanner.   Pro Hockey News would like to congratulate all at Wightlink Raiders on their championship winning season.   Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com