Slough Jets hit turbulence

SLOUGH,U.K- When a club breaks a nine year drought of silverware and finally lifts a trophy for its frustrated fans, most would consider this a step in the right direction and the chance for the club to prove that second was just not good enough. However that is all well and good in the perfect world but as we all know the modern world and more precise the world of UK hockey is far from perfect, as English Premier League 2007-08 Playoff winners Slough Jets are finding out. Going into the 2007-08 EPL season the Jets backed by millionaire player- owner Zoran Kozic were hotly tipped for silverware, and rightly so. Bolstering a line-up of top British talent and one of the best players to grace the EPL Jan Krajicek brother of Vancouver Canucks starlet Lukas, who was one of five import players (Non EU trained) to strengthen the Jets roster. Considering most EPL teams normally go with the maximum four quota un-able to afford a fifth import to play a bit part role, the Jets were certainly in pole position in september 2007. Fast forward to April 2008 and the big budget Jets saw their investment pay off, taking the EPL playoff trophy against rivals Bracknell Bees at the post season playoff extravaganza in Coventry. The success came at the end of a hard fought season that saw the Jets finish second in the league and runner up in the EPL Cup. As club and fans parted for the summer with the taste of success whizzing around their heads, many thought this was the turning point the club was waiting for. Unfortunately a woeful English summer finished completely opposite to how it started for the Jets and thier fans. Gone are the beaming smiles and the dreams of dominating the EPL, replaced by discontent and rather than dreams are thoughts will this club be here by Christmas. The cause, Money! Basically the Jets are victims of the financial crisis that is engulfing the United Kingdom. While some fans are putting the club’s lack of finance down to poor management with the view that the club shouldn’t of relied solely on the backing of Zoran Kozic and his personal wealth. But the financial restraints go further than just the credit crunch hitting the UK, the problems also stem from a problem in the United States. Jets player-owner Kozic, has fallen victim of the mortgage crisis that hit the U.S and in particular the Bear Sterns company that Kozic was employed by as Senior managing director here in London. In short Kozic lost a hell of alot of money. In his short time with the Jets, Kozic has turned around the fortunes of the club, setting up an extensive junior programme that provides free equipment to new players, his money helped bring together an A-list roster that went onto win silverware for the first time in nearly a decade.

However the 2008-09 EPL season will be a make or break for the Jets. Kozic has cut off the endless supply of money, while he concentrates on re-building his own life. Head-coach Steve Moria had his work cut out for him this summer as the Jets tried to retain the winning side from last season while recruiting new faces to replace the players who have not returned, all on a budget that will be less than half of last season. The most notable loss of the winning roster is Jan Krajicek, the 6`7″ blueliner was out of reach for a club with no money. Even a hard fought effort of fans rallying round to find the money to sign Krajicek fell short of the player’s value. Despite rival Guildford Flames tipped to sign the giant defenseman it does look like Krajicek will retire.   Also gone are defenseman Stuart Tait (Streatham Redskins), back up netminder Tom Annetts (Bracknell Bees) and fans’ favourite Richard Hargreaves,believed to be signing for ENL Cardiff Dragons. Also only playing a very small part in the club this season as a player will be Kozic, reducing the import qouter to a definite three, Joe Ciccerello, Blaz Emersic and player-coach Steve Moria. Also not returning as bench coach is Warren Rost having taken the head coach position at Romford Raiders after 14 years at the club as player and coach. Replacing the vacated players are defenseman Adam Jones, Antony Norman, netminder Andy Biart, fand orwards Lewis Burke and Andy Smith. A very young congintent that will bring a speedy, energetic mix to the roster, however on the downside the new players are all making the step up from the English National league and could find themselves out of thier depth if not used correctly. Playing under Steve Moria and the rest of the experienced Jets will be exactly what they need to further thier game. New player Andy Smith does have the ability to set the EPL alight coming off a successful season in the ENL with Invicta Dynamos that saw the speedy forward register 45 goals and 25 assists in just 18 games. But like the others this will be Smith’s first season in a higher league facing tougher defenseman and netminders.Despite the set back, the Jets have put together a competitive roster who do have alot of ability. The key will be riding out the injuries with a younger and shorter roster. Staying injury-free could be a problem for the Jets with an under average mix of size and strength and with no Hargreaves and no outright enforcer to protect the new younger players the Jets could be bullied on the ice. Come April the Jets do have an outside chance to make Coventry but it will be a tough ride from now till then. League prediction – Fifth  Jets Roster 2008-09 Netminders – Dean Skinns, Andy Biart Defenseman – Adam Jones, Antony Norman, Kevin Phillips, Tony Redmond (Assistant Coach), Paddy Ward. Forwards – Michael Bowman, Nicky Chinn (Captain), Blaz Emersic, Zoran Kozic, Jamie Milton, Steve Moria (Player-coach) Scott Spearing, Carl Thompson, Andy Smith, Lewis Burke.  Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com