Chieftains win title

CHELMSFORD,U.K-The Chelmsford Chieftains won their first piece of silverware in nine seasons Feb 14 with a convincing 11-1 win away at the Swindon ENL Wildcats. With a depleted bench due to a late fixture change, the Chieftains were forced to skate with only 11 out skaters and two goalies. The Essex side also called in assistant coach Dave Capps to play on defense to add to numbers. It was a back and forth game early on and it was over 17 minutes in before the deadlock was broken when star Slovak Jerry Pavlus scored his first of four goals on the night to take him to 100 points for the season. Man of the match Darren Brown also got in amongst the points with a 3+2 game while junior James Ayling scored 2+2 to cap a great performance from the youngsters who were charged with winning the title. The Chieftains were unlucky not to record a shut out when the Wildcats finally broke the resolve of Ben Clements in the Chieftains net on 59:49. The Chieftains fans in attendance were very happy with the result and were dancing in the aisles long before the end of the game as they knew that the Chelmsford team had won their first piece of silverware since 2000. Speaking after the game team owner and director, and joint bench coach for the night, Derek Bartlett spoke. “We knew it would be tough to come here with a short bench but we always knew we had the quality to win the game, It is very surprising to see us win by such a large margin though,” Bartlett said  “I am delighted for all of us at the club on winning the trophy and we can be very proud of where we are at and where we are heading. Our next aim is to end the season unbeaten in the league.” Sunday night’s game away to the Basingstoke Buffalo was a much closer affair with the Chieftains only managing a 6-1 win, after being 4-0 up at the end of the first period. The second period the foot really came off the gas for the Chieftains and they allowed the Buffalo back into the game and it was pleasing to get to the end of the period only conceding one goal. The final period was much more physical and the Buffalo were not allowing any flowing hockey and didn’t allow the Chieftains to get going at all and threw some big hits which wowed the crowd. Darren Brown once again put in an outstanding performance but the man of the match award rightly went to Ross Brears for an excellent performance which saw him pick up 1+3. Another note to add to the game tonight is that defenseman Reece Covington picked up his first goal of the season with a very gentle shot that trickled in the near post of Alec Field’s net. The smile on Covington’s face was infectious as all the travelling fans were joining in the shouts of “well done” and “finally” towards the young defenseman. Championship winning coach Dean Birrell said after the game was over. “The first period we dominated them, the second we lacked and the third they didn’t let us play and we had to work to hold on, It wasn’t too bad a performance but we need to not allow teams to get back into games,” Birrell said  “Our next venture is to end the season unbeaten but we can enjoy the rest of the season now. In many ways it’s only half time for us as we’re playing for roster spots for next season now and the players know that, we’re looking to keep our performances up and keep going,” Birrell also showed his joy at the long awaited goal by Covington “I am very pleased for Covington, he was due a goal and has worked very hard this year. The defence was reasonably strong tonight, but he was due his goal and I am glad he got it.” Birrell said Looking ahead to next weekend’s games, double header against the Slough Harrier Hawks, who are likely to have a very short bench in the region of 7-9 players Birrell, had this to say “In some instances we’re all expecting to get two wins but Will Sanderson on his day is one of the best goalies in this league so we’re not going there expecting too much, we are looking to bring in some more of the juniors,” Birrell said  “Some of them for one reason or another don’t seem to want to come up, but if given the opportunity I would like them to take it and give them some experience of playing for the senior side.” Star import and top points scorer Jerry Pavlus commented about reaching the 100 point milestone.  “I am very happy to be over 100 points, but I have some great line mates and players around me so it’s good to play alongside guys like that, they help me score points and I help them score points,” Pavlus said  “Compared to division one some games have not been too much of a challenge, but I am looking forward to next season back in division 1. I know as an import that teams will target me more and I know and accept that, I don’t mind it because I am used to it. I do get frustrated with the officials though. Some of them make me angry with their strange calls but you have to accept that in English ice hockey.” Contact the author at Pete.lewis@prohockeynews.com