OXFORD, UK – It has been a while since Oxford City Stars fans have been able to celebrate being top of the league, but with five games played this season, that is exactly where the team are situated.
Back in August in an interview with Pro Hockey News, City Stars’ assistant coach Gareth Endicott stated that he was confident that his side would surprise a few people, and so it has proved. None more so than title contenders Wightlink Raiders, who were stunned by the Stars 4-2 win over them a couple of weeks ago at Oxpens Road. This victory, more than any of the three gained by the City Stars so far this year, was the one that raised the most eyebrows across the English National League.
Oxford all smiles (Photo by petemagnusenphotography.com)
“It’s naturally a great feeling to be top of the table right now” said City Stars centre Andy Cox. “If we keep working hard there’s no reason why that should change. The strange thing is we have yet to play sixty minutes back to back of great hockey and we’ve still achieved results”
Cox makes a good point. Prior to last weekend the City Stars had beaten Swindon and Wightlink, with only a slip up at Bracknell blotting the copy book in their opening three fixtures. Their form continued over last weekend as they beat Bristol Pitbulls 5-1 on the road, before tying 5-5 with Cardiff ENL Devils the next evening in Oxford. Three points out of four may look decent, but the nature of the 5-5 draw with Cardiff takes off the gloss.
“When you’re leading a game 4-1 and you hand your opposition a point you should never be happy” stated Cox. “Credit to Cardiff they kept plugging away and they seemed a lot happier with the one point than we were, which shows how far we have come”
Cox has been in good form himself, earning plaudits from the City Stars fans following recent games where he has lined up in between Endicott and the revitalised Darren Elliott. Stars Captain Elliott has already scored six goals so far this season, and along with net minder Robin Lindva has been a key reason why the Stars have started so well.
Cox in action (Photo by petemagnusenphotography.com)
“We have strengthened this year by adding some great experience to an already talented line up” said Cox, who came up through the clubs junior development scheme. “That has definitely made a difference and the addition of Robin Lindva is a welcome bonus too; as he’s already showed signs that he will be one of the best net minders in the league.
“Head Coach Ken Forshee also has a very clear idea of how, and what, he wants to achieve. This means everyone is working for one another and coupled with a great team spirit, I believe this will see us through the tough games that matter throughout the season”
Tougher games are certainly on the horizon for Oxford. The schedule sends them on the road to play against reigning league champions Invicta Dynamos this Sunday, in a rink the City Stars traditionally struggle in. Last season Oxford lost 11-3, 11-2 and 14-3 in their three fixtures at the Ice Bowl, so Forshee will be looking for better things from his side this time round.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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