Barons pick up the points against determined Eagles

Bristol Street Motors Solihull Barons : 12
Blackburn Eagles : 6

The Bristol Street Motors Barons opened their home league account on Sunday with a solid display against the Blackburn Eagles. The Eagles who had shocked the Nottingham Lions a week earlier found the Barons a much tougher proposition.

The puck had only just dropped when a shot by the Barons Tom Soar, was parried by the Eagles keeper but only so far as new Barons import Niklas Ottosson who converted from short range for the Solihull opener. The Barons second came off a powerplay opportunity after eight minutes, Eddie Eaton tapping the puck into the Blackburn net via a Perry Doyle slapshot.

Ottosson and Soar combined for Barons third and fourth goals, Ottosson getting the final shot for goal three before returning the favour as Soar picked up goal four. The Barons final goal of the first period belonged to Rich Slater, in his season debut. The number 17, took the puck mid ice before steering it round the Blackburn goalie who had come well out of his crease in a futile attempt to defend his net.

It was the Eagles who scored against the run of play early in the second period, David Williams managing a short handed breakaway to trim the Lancashire sides deficit. The Barons advantage was quickly restored, Rich Slater getting his second of the night with a close in effort from just outside the netminder's crease. Andy Whitehouse eased the Barons further into the lead with goal number seven for Solihull after a period of intense Solihull pressure on the Blackburn net.

The Eagles however made the most of their chances and when a gap was found in the Barons defence James Riddoch hit the net for Blackburn's second goal of the night.

The Barons kept pushing and were rewarded with goals number 8 and 9. Joe Henry poaching goal 8 from the back post while Simon Harrison netted from close in for goal 9 just before the period buzzer.

The final period was the Barons least impressive as the Eagles showed grit to capitalise on every chance given to them. While Solihull pushed for more goals and were rewarded, finding the net a further three times thanks to Rob Eley, Rich Slater and Joe Henry, gaps appeared when playing in their own end to give the Eagles a well earned period victory with four goals of their own.

So a win for the Barons and the four points that went with this double point fixture to put them top of the Laidler division. Still however some work to do as the 2014-15 lines settle and the Summer rustiness is shaken off.

The Barons return to the Hobs Moat ice on Sunday 28th September when the Sheffield Senators make their first visit of the season to Solihull. Between now and then the Barons face an away trip to North Wales to take on the Deeside Dragons in what should be a closely fought tie against the ever competitive Dragons. This is followed by a trip on Saturday 27th to the Bradford Bulldogs, returning (and not quietly !) after a few years away from senior hockey.

We hope you can make it to the away games, and to join the team on the coach see here for more info, and of course we want you all here for the Senators game on Sunday 28th. Face-off 6pm.

Barons Goals : Richard Slater (3), Henry (2), Ottosson (2), Simon Harrison, Soar, Eley, Eaton, Whitehouse

Barons Assists : Janek (3), D Harrison (2), Doyle (2), Soar (2), Ottosson (2), Selwood, Eaton, Whitehouse, R Slater, Eley, Knight, Hubbuck

Barons MoM : Tom Soar

LEAGUE ROUND-UP _____________ Hull Jets : 4 Coventry NL Blaze : 3 _____________ Deeside Dragons : 6 Widnes Wild : 7 _____________ Nottinghma Lions : 4 Sheffield Senators : 5 _____________ Sheffield Senators : 5 Telford NL Tigers : 7 _____________ Bradford Bulldogs : 2 Nottingham Lions : 7 _______________ Next Home Game The Barons welcome the Sheffield Senators on Sunday 28th September. The Senators typically show up with a young but talented and well drilled squad capable of causing an upset on any given night. Make sure you make it to the rink to support the Barons, make it loud and ensure they have that extra man on the ice ! Sunday 28th September Face-off : 6:00pm Adults £7 : Concessions £3.50 Family ticket £20 (2 adults and up to 3 children)