SOLIHULL, UK – When the Renault Solihull Barons skated off the ice following their aggregate defeat to Trafford Metros in the Play-Off’s last season, it may well have been with mixed emotions.
The West Midlands outfit were only two games away from a return to ENL 1 North, when the Metros put paid to their hopes with convincing victories in both legs. Naturally the first instinct of disappointment, as with any loss, was palpable.
Now with the dust settled and the Barons preparing for another season in ENL 2 North, the air of disappointment has given way to one of optimism at Hobs Moat Road. Last season the team delivered a winning package both on and off the ice and this is a great base to build on.
On the ice, Head Coach Darren Bellerby has implemented a number of changes to his squad. The core of the forward lines has been retained as have the experienced Erik Bakalar, Rob Eley and Andy Ayres. Promising young goalies Hayden Laverick and Sam Hewitt get another season between the pipes to improve, as do solid performers like Dale Buckland, Richie Slater and youngster Rory Hannon.
Winning hockey always goes down well with any fan base and some would say it is essential when building up support and crowd numbers. Another season in a league that the Barons should really be challenging at the top of will hopefully add more positive spirit around the club.
Andrews (Photo by icehockeyphotography.co.uk)
A solid sponsor in Renault Solihull along with relatively large crowd’s last season gives club Chairman John Butler reasons to be cheerful. The team began pre season training at the beginning of August with two sessions a week. New faces have also been added with former skipper Andrew Howarth putting pen to paper along with former Solihull and Birmingham player Phil Knight, and former Oxford and Swindon defenseman Adam Andrews.
Andrews joins for his second stint at the club, having played for the Barons previously in 2004/05 when the team competed in the English Premier League. He is pleased to be back at Hobs Moat Road and is delighted to be playing league hockey again after time out of the game:
“I still had a few friends up here from my first stint playing in the EPL” said Andrews. “I skated during the summer league and enjoyed the competitiveness again. I realised I had the bug back,
“I spoke with Daz Bellerby the Barons coach and expressed interest in playing and went from there really. Funnily enough I’m back in my old stall for the Barons five years on. But slightly worried as my old stall is now the Infamous “Gas Seat” so let’s hope I can put that stalls name to rest now,
“It’s going to feel strange playing ENL North after spending so much time in the south with Swindon and Oxford as you get to know the guys in the league and what to expect of teams,
“ENL North is going to be new territory for me, new players and refs which is probably good for me if I’m honest, some of the distances to travel are long but like any road trips, time on the bus together is good for team spirit”
Before Andrews and his team can even start planning their card games and antics on the road, they have the small matter of the third annual charity game taking place this Bank Holiday Sunday at Hobs Moat Road ice rink.
The game is in aid of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and will feature past Barons taking on the current team in a friendly match. Doors open at 6.15pm and the junior club will also feature in the event, along with the Solihull Synchronised Skating School (although we are unsure if any of the Barons will be in this display).
The Barons league campaign kicks off in Sheffield on 5th September. For more details on the charity game and the Barons please visit: http://www.solihullbarons.com/
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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