DURHAM, UK – This campaign’s ENL North (Division 1) is proving to be one of the most competitive seasons the league has seen in recent years. Billingham Bombers and Whitley Bay are fighting it out at the head of the standings while only 8 points separates the other 7 teams in the division.
Telford Titans currently lie 6th in the ENL North table with a total of 16 points from the 18 games they have played so far this term. The Titans started the season on fire winning 4 out of their opening 6 games of the campaign including a convincing home victory over reigning champions Whitley Warriors.
However the side from Shropshire have not been able to maintain their early form and the Titans now find themselves just outside of the play off places. Pro Hockey News recently got the opportunity to speak to Telford forward Owen Bennett.
Owen speaks of how he first became involved in hockey.
Owen in action
“I was little when I first went to watch my Uncle Norm (Norman Pinnington) play and after that I was fascinated with hockey, the fast big hits and the fights, I loved it.”
Much has been written about Bennett’s cage fighting background however the fitness levels Owen had from his time in mixed martial arts has meant that he is one of quickest players in the current ENL North set up.
“Yes it’s true (I was involved in cage fighting) but that was a while ago now. Mixed martial arts training was an advantage cardio wise at the time and something I’m looking at getting back in to.
“There’s not too many people I can’t keep up with in the league and being tough makes me fearless on the ice I’ll go toe to toe with anyone and I’ll always go hard in the corners
“I would say I am an agitator/enforcer I like to wind the opposition up and I’m always ready to stick up for the team.”
Owen drops the gloves
Owen went onto speak of his sides ambitions for the current campaign.
“Our target is to make the play offs so making them would be awesome and for myself maybe a goal or two! Anything can happen and with a full squad we are a top team”
Titans have been rather short benched during the past few weeks which has led to some indifferent results and increased ice time for all he players on the roster.
“It’s quite difficult at the moment with the loss of players due to injuries and under 18 clashes but were still in it (the play off picture).
“I think that’s the reason for our little slump were going through at the moment it has been hard with missing players due to injuries and those under 18 clashes.
“It was tough at the start as I wasn’t used to that much ice time but I feel my cardio is a lot better now.”
Owen went onto speak about playing alongside the Titans more experienced players and his ambitions to play in the EPL in the future.
Enjoying a joke
“I have learned bits from all the senior players on the team and recently have been playing on the same line as (Karol) Jets and Ryan (Stanton) and it has upped my game quite a bit.
“I would like to play at a higher level I played EPL a few times and that was fun it’s a lot faster.”
Just before the interview came to close Owen spoke of his favourite rink and the other venue’s in the league that he enjoyed travelling to.
“(My favourite) It’s got to be Telford you just can’t beat it no one likes to come to our bar and you can tell.
“I don’t think there’s a crowd I haven’t wound up but I’d have to say Blackburn, Whitley Bay and Solihull are my favourites just because there’s always big crowds at their place.”
Thanks to Owen for taking the time out for the interview and we wish him and the Titans all the best for the remainder of the 2011/12 campaign.
Images courtesy of Colin Lawson @ http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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