LONDON, UK – With only four teams left in the Play-Offs it really was crunch time in the NIHL as lewd innuendos about ‘semi’s’ and clichés such as ‘do or die’ reared their heads.
Streatham say goodbye (Rick Webb)
The officials rarely get a shout out in Pro Hockey News despite the fact they all put in lots of miles each week to make sure the games go ahead.
It was only two weeks ago that we brought you exclusive pictures of Stephen Matthews damaged car after he totaled a deer, so imagine our surprise when we noticed fellow official James Ions had received a note on his car windscreen.
Was it a love note from a female fan impressed by his blowing technique and strong arm whilst calling offsides? Or maybe just someone offering a hand car wash due to a build-up of filth?
It was in fact a note from a disgruntled motorist giving him a ‘5 + game for shit parking’.
There was positive news out of Romford as building work began on the new rink. What a pleasant sight it is to see kids in hockey kit posing happily with builders rather than the familiar sight of a campaign group in tears awaiting their rink being demolished.
‘I believe that the new structure will surpass what was previously available and when you consider how many very talented players came through the old Romford system to play for the region and their country, the future will be very bright for ice hockey in the town’ said London Raiders GM John Scott in an interview with the Romford Recorder.
‘The availability of the new facilities are predicted to be around March 2018. Whilst most of us have great affection for the old girl at Rom Valley Way I can see our new home being very much a step “up market” both in terms of facilities and the interaction between sports teams and the management, which some would argue is the least we deserve for our patience.’
Wightlink Raiders announced that Jeremy Cornish would continue next season as full time Head Coach of the team despite hanging up his skates at the end of the year. The Raiders have enjoyed a period of success under the big Canadians reign on the Island and it should prove a smart move for both parties.
All smiles in Havering (Romford Recorder)
You can read the Pro Hockey News interview with Cornish after he announced his retirement HERE
Invicta Dynamos TV put out highlights of their Play-Off Quarter final win over Milton Keynes Thunder with another polished production. You can view it HERE
Streatham were hoping to banish memories of the Cup Final thumping they received off Chelmsford Chieftains as they prepared to do it all again but this time in the Play-Offs.
The South West Londoner did a great piece on Streatham training ahead of the game but forgot to tell Casimir Madren-Britton not to reveal the team tactics as he told the whole internet that the team were practicing a lock and neutral zone trap to thwart Chelmsford.
The all action defenseman Jack Tarczycki was also interviewed and managed to repeat the word ‘Streatham’ as many times as is humanely possibly in the answer to one question.
You can watch it HERE
Semi Final reports:
Island battle (David Trevallion)
Wightlink Raiders v Invicta Dynamos
This was a clash too close to call with both teams fancying their chances of progressing through to the final.
The first leg took place on the island with a healthy band of Mo’s fans making the trip across the Solent to follow their team. The travelling fans were on their feet after only 40 seconds as Callum Fowler fired them in front but it was the last cheer to come from that part of the rink for the following 58 minutes.
Wightlink not only bounced back from the early setback but then put the Mo’s to the sword with an astonishing seven unanswered goals.
Alex Sampford, Brendan Baird, Ryan Webb, Danny Rose, Craig Tribe, Jaroslav Cesky and Bobby Streetly made up the Raiders tally.
Adam McNicoll scored a late goal for Invicta to bring the score back to 7-2 going into the second leg in Kent the following day.
A decent crowd at Silverblades settled down to watch a big potential comeback but it was not to be as the game ended as a peculiar 0-0 draw – possibly the first ever scoreless game ever in the NIHL.
Goalies Matt Colclough and Damien King will no doubt take the credit for that with a 31 and 33 shot shut out respectively.
So Wightlink advance to the final again, whilst Invicta can reflect on a season that started with low expectations, gradually built into some promise and then eventually died without a trophy sadly.
Chelmsford charge on (Steve Sutherland)
Streatham Redskins v Chelmsford Chieftains
The first leg took place in South London with Streatham desperate to bury the memories of the Cup Final horror show and they did so with a hard fought 4-4 draw befitting of the occasion.
If the Cup Final was a damp squib as a spectacle, this game was the complete opposite with both teams playing good solid end to end hockey and giving spectators their monies worth.
Joe Johnston scored twice for Streatham with Adam Wood and Callum Best getting the others.
Grant Bartlett scored twice for Chelmsford with Cameron Bartlett and Danny Hammond also on target.
The following day the two teams met again and the opening period was fairly well matched until two quick goals from Chelmsford took the sting out of the game and the Chieftains took control.
James Ayling, Anthony Leone, Billy Phillips, Juraj Huska and Olegs Lascenko scored for Chelmsford in the 6-2 win on the night, with Nick Chinn rolling back the years with a brace for Streatham.
The game saw the final appearance of your columnist in a Streatham jersey and ended a rollercoaster season for the South London club, who will start next season without the famous Redskins moniker.
So we are left with a final weekend of hockey between two in-form teams who will both fancy their chances of glory. Will it be a quadruple for Chelmsford or will Jeremy Cornish and his Wightlink side go out in a blaze of glory?!
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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