Barons dominate A45 derby

Motor Nation Solihull Barons : 13
Coventry NIHL Blaze : 3

9th February 2014

The Motor Nation Solihull Barons battles against the Coventry NIHL Blaze have become a highlight of the West Midlands ice hockey calendar and Sunday's tie at the Solihull Rink was no exception though the way the game played out was a big surprise to many.

While the Barons had a slow start but worked their way to the top of the Laidler Conference, the Blaze were rebuilding after a late 2013 slump but had shown strong form in recent ties.

No sooner had the puck dropped and Josh Bruce and Joe Henry broke into the Coventry zone, an initial shot to the back post failed however quick collection of the puck saw a wraparound goal. Within the first minute the Barons had doubled their lead, Ryan Selwood taking the honours on 52 seconds.

 There then followed a spell of scrappy play with minor penalties on both sides, one of which allowed the Blaze's Phillip Pollock to pull the goal back with a powerplay goal just shy of twelve minutes.

Blaze hopes that this might start a sustained counter attack foundered quickly. Perry Doyle found the net on a Barons powerplay followed by a series of quick goals from Joe Henry, a tremendous breakaway by Eddie Eaton and a score by Joe Henry saw the Barons hit the dressing rooms 6-1 to the good.

The second period was very much the same story, the Barons forwards on fire with three further goals for Josh Bruce together with singles from Rich Slater, Andy Whitehouse and Rob Eley. For the Blaze only a single goal found the net, Ashton Jenion working a powerplay effort.

With the game won, the final period saw the Barons take the foot of the gas with result that the last twenty minutes saw only a goal apiece, Josh Nicklin finding the net for the Blaze while Rich Slater got the Barons #13.

A surprisingly comfortable victory for the Barons and one which lays down a marker for the rest of the season.

The Barons now head up the M6 to Blackburn Eagles next Sunday. With the Eagles propping up the table, bringing home the points should be straightforward however no complacency can be taken into any game at this stage in the season.

The following Sunday, February 23rd the Barons are back on home ice to welcome the rapidly improving Widnes Wild. Face-off : 6pm.

Barons Goals : Bruce (4), Henry (2), R Slater (2), Doyle, Eaton, Eley, Selwood, Whitehouse
Barons Assists : Henry (6), R Slater (2), Bruce (2), Janak (2), Hubbuck, Rodger, Papps, Doyle, Larkin, Eaton, Selwood
Barons MOM : Sam Hewitt

Next Home Game The Barons welcome the Widnes Wild to Hobs Moat for the second time this season. Last time out the Barons cruised to an easy win as Widnes struggled through a spate of mid-season injuries. Since then the Cheshire squad have come back into form with recent defeats over both Hull and more surprisingly a 5-1 win over Nottingham. Make sure you get down to the rink and let your cheers tilt the Hobs Moat Ice in favour of your Barons. Sunday 23rd February Face-off : 6:00pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children)