Excitement at the top but uncertainty about the future

LONDON, UK – The NIHL title race was blown wide open as the Cats showed their claws and the Bison continued their stampede to spook the Phantoms.

The ‘Best’ end to a weekend for the Mos (David Trevallion)

It was a relatively quiet week of news ahead of the transfer deadline next week. The EIHA put out a teaser headline on Wednesday morning regarding proposals for a future structure of the NIHL. While the news article wasn’t quite to the clickbait standard of the Independent or the Sun, the short body of text left as many questions as answers

“Over the past number of weeks the National League Management Group (NLMG) have been engaged in a consultation with clubs around the future structure of the NIHL. The process began initially with NIHL 1 sides in both North and South but recently all member clubs were contacted by NLMG with an update and plans for next steps. Discussions continue on the matter and once there are firm proposals they will be announced by the NIHL via the normal channels.”

Fanciful debate has occurred on forums and hockey social media as to the likelihood of a new second tier to finally replace the EPL, but even the most optimistic geographer/hockey fan must concede that anything wildly different to the current begrudging settlement looks extremely unlikely – at least by the summer.

At the time of writing, respected EIHA man Gary Dent had just announced his departure from the body, which is another big worry – more on that next week.

There was good news out of Swindon during the week as Wildcats GM Steve Nell picked up a lifetime achievement gong at the South West Awards. The club statement read:

“Steve’s legacy can be seen at the Link Centre every game day, and in the faces of the hundreds of players and fans who have experienced life with the Swindon Wildcats.

Congratulations Steve, we wouldn’t be where we are today without you and your hard work.”

Pro Hockey News also published a piece featuring photographers from across the league and their insight behind the lens.

From requests about photoshopping teeth, to Facebook profile pics and gurning. All areas are covered.

Saturday review

It was a tale of three Marr’s in Swindon as Wildcats netminder Renny Marr faced his opposite number Jordan Marr in the Phantoms net, while dad Gordon Marr entertained the Link Centre at the end of the game with a fantastic performance of his own.

The game ended 4-1 in Swindon’s favour thanks to goals from Jonas Hoog, Max Birbraer, Aaron Nell and Edgars Bebris. The Phantoms consolation came from Nathan Pollard.

Marr-vellous weekend (Kat Medcroft)

Basingstoke edge out Streatham 4-3 thanks to an overtime winner from Dr Russ Cowley.

The RedHawks had twice come from behind to tie 3-3 in regulation with Alex Roberts, Ryan Webb and Rupe Quiney on target. Bison scorers were Michal Klejna, George Norcliffe and Ashley Tait.

Banners on the Wall gave their review of the game HERE

MK Thunder were boosted by the signing of Harry Ferguson on a two way from the Elite League Lightning, but Lewis Clifford’s side were undone on home ice by the Raiders in a high scoring game between the two sides.

The Raiders won 8-5 thanks to a hat trick from Jake Sylvester, a brace from Matt Turner and a goal each from JJ Pitchley, Filip Sedivy and Mason Webster. For the Thunder Hallden Barnes-Garner and Tomas Rubes scored two each, with Rio Grinell-Parke also on target.

Raiders’ blueliner Callum Wells made sure he got all the warm water in the showers by getting a match penalty 30 seconds from the end.

Sunday review

Peterborough’s wobble continued as Basingstoke took away a 5-3 win from Bretton Way. An Ashley Tait hat trick (including two shorthanded efforts) made for a miserable night for the Phantoms, added to another shorthanded goal from Russ Cowley and a lone goal for Alex Sampford.

Phantoms goals came via Ales Padelek, Martins Susters and Petr Stepanek.

The result moved the Bison into second place, two points above the Phantoms whose games in hand are beginning to now look like extra pressure rather than a back pocket bonus.

Happy Kev

Invicta Dynamos fans celebrated for the second time this season as the Mo’s beat the MK Thunder 5-3 in Gillingham.

The Mo’s heroes were Ondrej Zosiak with two goals, one of which was an empty netter, and also Callum Best, Arran Strawson and Brandon Miles who got a goal each.

Thunder scorers were Tomas Rubes with two and a lone effort from Trevor LeBlanc.

Swindon cemented their lead at the top of the table with a hard fought 6-2 win on the road against the Raiders.

Aaron Nell, Chris Jones, Joonas Hoog, Stevie Whitfield, Tyler Plews and Edgars Bebris were on target for the Cats, with Brandon Ayliffe and Juraj Huska replying for the Raiders.

In Streatham, a controversial final period saw Bracknell post a 5-1 win thanks to four unanswered third period goals.

Tyler VanKleef scored two for the Bees with Ryan Watt, Josh Martin and Brendan Baird also on the scoresheet. For the RedHawks it was Scott Bailey with the consolation.

We leave the final word of the weekend to the Lee Valley Lions in NIHL 2, who won their first game in 21 months thanks to a 5-0 victory over Swindon Wildcats 2. Special mention to veteran goalie Steve Grout for the 37 save shut out at the Link Centre. Well done guys.