By Matt Johnson, Barons Press Officer

Netminder Sam Hewitt made a standout contribution between the sticks to restrict bogey-side Blackburn Hawks to a 5-0 victory as the Barons continue the search for a first road victory of the season.

Man of the match Hewitt made a number of top class saves in the first period to limit the Hawks to a solitary one goal advantage. He continued to defy the Blackburn frontline throughout the second and third with some stunning blocks, but two goals in either period rounded off a seemingly routine victory for the hosts.

But another outclassed road defeat was the least of Darren Bellerby’s worries after prolific front man Richard Slater was forced out of the game with a serious looking head injury. Slater was immediately rushed to hospital but after checks was allowed home after being diagnosed with concussion.

The news comes as a distressing double whammy after influential defenceman Mike Rodger was also diagnosed with a serious head injury last week that is set to keep the stalwart out of action for some considerable time.

Bellerby will have to make do without Rodger and Slater this weekend, but he will have higher hopes of securing points when his Barons head to Ice Sheffield on Saturday to take on the Spartans. Solihull looked set to claim victory there in December, but an equalizer three seconds from time left them to settle for a point in a thrilling 7-7 draw.

A return to home ice on Sunday completes the weekend double header, and after earning an impressive 5-4 victory over Trafford Metros last time out and a credible 3-3 draw against league leaders Billingham Stars in November, they will be confident of securing at least another point against the Stars this time out.

Sat Feb 11 V Spartans (A) – Face-off 7:30pm . Coach departs HMR at 4pm. £10pp

Sun Feb 12 V Stars (H) – Face-off 6pm. Tickets are £6 adults/£3 concessions.

Goals: -
Assists: -
Man of the Match: Sam Hewitt