MILTON KEYNES, UK – Milton Keynes Thunder enter the penultimate weekend of the season, hanging onto their English National League status by the narrowest of margins. The Buckinghamshire side are currently level on points with North London outfit Haringey Greyhounds but have a slight edge on goal difference.
The Thunder entertain Oxford City Stars this weekend knowing that even a win may not be enough to keep them above their rivals. Haringey face London rivals Streatham Redskins on Saturday and then Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday and could gather points in either fixture.
At the start of the season the Thunder shuffled their normally consistent roster with the unlikely addition of three players from rivals Peterborough Islanders. The three came with decent reputations to boot. Clint Herring a tough skating forward capable of getting goals was joined by former Invicta Dynamo Bernie Bradford, a solid defenceman who had experience of playing at a higher level. Completing the trio was speedy winger Jamie Holland who had spent some time over in the States at the Gilmour Hockey Academy, before joining the Islanders and also featuring for the EPL Peterborough Phantoms.
Holland in Thunder colours (Photo by icehockeyphotography.co.uk)
Out of the new signings it is the 22 year old Holland who has impressed most. By far the teams’ highest goal scorer with an impressive 17 goals in 22 appearances for the struggling Thunder, Holland has no regrets about making the move to MK last summer:
“I needed a change and I was contacted by MK in the summer. They wanted me to play and seemed very enthusiastic about having me. Change can take you out of the comfort zone and it has been beneficial,
“I have been relatively pleased with my form and it’s always good to score and get some goals, but I always think about the chances I missed and how it could have changed the game in our favour,
“Despite the poor results this has been one of the most enjoyable seasons in my career. The team gets on very well together on and off the ice. The atmosphere is always a lot of fun despite our league position”
Sadly for Holland and his new team, his goals have been minor highlights in an otherwise frustrating season. They have struggled to get goals and the normally solid defence has struggled against improved opposition conceding 231 goals in 34 games.
Thunder having a tough time (Photo by icehockeyphotography.co.uk)
Wins over fellow strugglers Peterborough and Haringey have kept the Thunder away from last place, but they have a real possibility of facing a relegation play off at the end of the season unless they finish ahead of the Greyhounds. Despite no wins in the last nine games, Holland is confident the Thunder can avoid the drop and feels that the team are just missing that little slice of luck:
“We haven’t been consistent. We have put in some good performances against some of the top teams that should and could have gone our way, but then when we play teams down the bottom end of the league, that we should get results against we don’t play to our full potential and it costs us,
“I honestly think we can avoid relegation. We have a good team but sometimes the lucky bounces just seem to go against us, so we are surely due some luck before the season is out. If we play the way we know we can do in our final two games then I think we can get the points we need”
Away from his teams own issues, Holland glances up at the top of the table and believes the play offs will be an exciting affair. Having played against all of the contenders he is well placed to make a prediction:
“I think Invicta will win, they are a good team and play good hockey. But that is expected when you have a good amount of money to pump into the team and you can afford to bring in top players and imports. I can’t see anyone beating them in the play offs”
So after a successful season on a personal level, where does Holland see his hockey future going?
“A few years ago I would of said EPL but now with work commitments and other plans, I am happy to play in the ENL and if the chance ever comes along to play EPL again I would have to consider it”
Thanks for reading and stay safe.
Carrsy
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.