Barons demolish Eagles challenge

By Gareth Thomson

Motor Nation Sollihull Barons : 15
Blackburn Eagles : 2

The Motor Nation Solihull Barons made a convincing start to their National Ice Hockey League Laidler Conference challenge with a crushing win over the Blackburn Eagles on Sunday evening.

In an otherwise highly competitive league, the Eagles have often struggled to put out a winning side and 2013-14 may be another long season for the Lancashire squad. It was however a solid first period effort by both the Barons and the Eagles, as Solihull continually pressured the Blackburn net only to meet a resolute defence and a strong early  net-minding performance by Nicholas Saxton for the Eagles.

The Barons Connor Hubbuck broke the deadlock in the eighth minute, breaking into the Eagles end and releasing a shot as he crossed the blue line. While this was parried by Saxton, Hubbuck followed through, netting the rebound. The Barons doubled the advantage on the twelfth minute, Josh Bruce knocking the puck through the crease to find Rich Slater ready on the right post to convert the chance.

The second period saw the Barons begin to stretch their lead. Jake Larkin, Rich Slater, Rob Eley and Mike Rodger all found the net by the half hour mark but the goal run was curtailed for the remainder of the period as the Barons played most of it short-handed having picked up a series of minor penalties.

The final period saw the Barons scoring for fun with the puck finding its way past the Eagles defence no less than nine times. Highlights included goals from defence men Ryan Selwood and Richard Crowe who both lasered the puck from the right hand point into the Blackburn twine, man of the match Crowe's effort rattling the crossbar for good measure on the way in.

The Eagles got some compensation for their efforts with two late goals for Daniel Jones and Tom Murphy however the Barons win was never in doubt.

This weekend the Barons face a far sterner challenge with an away double header against fellow title challengers the Coventry Blaze on Saturday and the Nottingham Lions the following evening.

The Barons are back on home home ice on the 22nd September when they welcome the Sheffield Senators to Hobs Moat Rink. Face-off 6pm.

Barons Goals : Rich Slater(3), Crowe(2), Larkin(2), Henry, Selwood, Eley, Bakalar, Doyle, Rodger, Charlie Hammerton, Hubbuck

Barons Assists : Bruce(5), Bakalar(4), Eley(3), Rodger(3), Lee(2), Henry(2), Whitehouse(2) , Sam Hammerton, Rich Slater, McWilliams, Hubbuck

Barons Man of the Match : Richard Crowe

Away Games this Weekend Sat 14th Sept Planet Ice Coventry FO : 7:30pm Sun 15th Sept Nottingham Ice Centre FO : 7:30pm Coach Available Click Here The Barons are on the road at the weekend in a demanding away double header. The boys always appreciate travelling support so if you can make either or both of these games you can help give them an extra boost.

Next Home Game The Barons welcome the Sheffield Senators to Hobs Moat in their next home tie. The Senators always put on a good show, their youthful side always well drilled and determined so it will be a good game. Make sure you make it to the rink to support the Barons. Sunday 22nd September Face-off : 6pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children)