LONDON, UK – Chelmsford Chieftains made it four out of four available trophies as they completed a clean sweep of NIHL South silverware with the Play-Off championship providing the final piece.
A big crowd had gathered at the Riverside, boosted by a large contingent of Wightlink Raiders fans hoping their team could hang on to the two goal lead they had earned in the first leg on the Island the night before.
The game would also be the final appearance of Raiders Coach Jeremy Cornish before retirement so the scene was set for dramatic conclusion to the season.
Fans queued down the ramp outside the rink, Frizzy bear the mascot was dancing in the entrance and the putrid smell of the hockey glove dryer by the door just added to the experience as everyone in attendance looked forward to an epic tussle between two strong sides.
The opening stages suggested that this would be the case as both teams had chances to score, but by the time James Ayling opened the scoring for the Chieftains on 14 minutes with a superb solo effort the Raiders defence were already under sustained pressure.
An early goal in the second period by Danny Hammond, tipping Barry’s point shot past Matty Colclough brought things level on aggregate and then Olegs Lascenko emulated Ayling with a brilliant solo effort finished into the top corner.
Clements shut out (Steve Sutherland)
From that point on the Raiders realised they would have to respond but when Juraj Huska picked up the puck on his own blue line, evaded his marker and then went down and picked Colclough’s top shelf out, it looked like the night would be very long indeed for the visitors and their supporters.
The island side were reduced to long shots on Ben Clements in the Chieftains goal as the hosts upped through the gears, and in the third period they were effectively killed off early on as Ross Brears finished a rebound from a Danny Hammond shot.
Twenty seconds later Brears turned provider sliding the puck across the crease to the unmarked Huska who made no mistake with the finish.
With the energy sapped out of the visiting support and the home fans contemplating another straightforward home win, it was left to Anthony Leone to raise one last cheer before the end of the buzzer as he tipped in an Alex Staples shot before celebrating by blowing kisses at the home support.
It was to be the final goal of the night as Chelmsford won 7-0 with Clements bagging a 28 shot shut out to make it 10-5 on aggregate.
Both teams gave Cornish a guard of honour in a classy move as he left the ice, before the Chieftains headed back to a familiar tale of celebratory photographs and champagne on the ice.
Julian Smith receives the trophy from Richard Carpenter
Afterwards a lager soaked Chelmsford Coach Sean Easton admitted that he had enjoyed his first season in charge:
“We said when we signed the team we wanted to win everything, especially after what happened last year with the Play-Offs.”
“We won all four trophies and what else can I say… it’s been awesome and a lot of fun.”
“It’s been the same core of guys here since the ENL 2 season and we just add a couple of guys each year and it gives us something to build around.”
“But its not easy, every game we go in to I still have a little doubt, and even tonight we came into the game two goals down so we have had to work hard to win.”
“I have enjoyed my first year in charge and it’s been a pleasure to coach the guys”
For Chelmsford it ends a year of dominance that has rarely been tested, their squad depth is the envy of the league and they are a club now used to that winning feeling.The hard work done by Easton and the coaches of the junior club is now bearing fruit and they will be a tough nut for any team to crack on a consistent basis next season.
Wightlink can reflect on a good season of battling against the odds with their rink situation and a Coach who calls time on a fantastic playing career and will be desperate to mastermind a challenge for the Essex side next season.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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