Scorching Barons dampen Blaze

National Ice Hockey League : Laidler Conference

Motor Nation Solihull Barons : 6
Coventry NL Blaze : 3

A season record, 700 strong crowd gathered at Hobs Moat rink on Sunday evening as the Motor Nation Solihull Barons knocked local rivals the Coventry Blaze for six.

In an incredibly tight league, the two points for a win will always be fiercely fought over but add in West Midlands bragging rights and a gaggle of players on both rosters having moved between the sides in the off season and a feisty evenings entertainment was assured.

The Barons wasted no time in getting the scoring underway, Josh Bruce racing down the right wing, setting up Joe Henry to slot the puck into the Blaze net after only 37 seconds.

The remainder of the period was a feisty affair which saw opportunities for both sides and while the Barons probably had the edge, it was the Blaze's Phillip Pollock who put the puck beyond Barons netminder Josh Nicholls to level things in the final minute of the period.

Joe Henry however would ensure the Barons could take to the dressing rooms with their lead restored, again Josh Bruce on the wing finding Henry square in front of goal for the Barons second.

A clearance mix up by the Barons and an unfortunate deflection saw the Blaze with their second and equalising goal shortly after the restart.

The Barons however continued to pressure and a mid-period powerplay gave them the opportunity  to restore their lead, big Rob Eley dancing the puck around the Blaze defence for the Barons third goal. A couple of minutes later and Connor Hubbuck found Andy Whitehouse in space on the Blaze blue line, allowing the Barons number 16 to make the most of the clear path to the Blaze goal to fire the puck into the roof of the Coventry net and give the Barons a two goal advantage.

The final period saw the Barons extend their lead further, the Solihull fifth a blistering bullet of a shot from Mikey Rodger on the Barons left hand point. The Barons did not let up, Rich Slater rounding off Solihull's scoring for the evening via a breakaway chance, which he duly converted having sent Blaze goalie Adam Goss the wrong way.

A late consolation goal for the Blaze by their man of the match Josh Nicklin was too late to influence the result and an ultimately comfortable 6-3 win was a justifiable reward for the Barons and their large support.

Speaking afterwards, the Barons Phil Lee was understandably happy with the result, "It was a good end to end game and it is always great to have the big crowd atmosphere around the rink. I think the Blaze played a good game but we worked hard as a team and got the result we deserved."

It was a good weekend all round for the Barons with fellow top four sides, Nottingham Lions and Deeside Dragons each dropping a point against Widnes and Sheffield respectively.

The Barons have a tricky away doubleheader this weekend. On Saturday they visit the league's most unpredictable side, the Hull Stingrays, while on Sunday a trip to the leagues newest, but most rapidly improving side, the Widnes Wild beckons.

The Barons are back on home ice on the 24th of November when the Wild get to experience Hobs Moat for the first time. Face-off 6pm.

Barons goals : Henry (2), Whitehouse, Eley, R Slater, Rodger
Barons assists : Bruce (2), Janak (2), McWilliams (2), Eaton, R Slater, Doyle, Rodger, Hubbuck
Barons man of the match : Ryan Selwood.

Next Home Game The Barons welcome league new boys, the Widnes Wild, to Hobs Moat for the first time ever. The Widnes side, born from the ashes of the Fylde Flyers, have shown themselves to be a rapidly improving side capable of giving any team in the league a good game. 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 ! Note the face-off is back to our normal 6:00pm time slot. Sunday 24th November Face-off : 6:00pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children) Next Away Games : This Weekend The Barons have an away double header this weekend as they travel to both Hull and Widnes. Places are available on the team coach - click here for more info. Barons Under 18 v Bradford Jnr Bulldogs This Sunday at Hobs Moat ! Can't make it to the away games then why not get your hockey fix on Sunday night as the U18s take on the Bradford Bulldogs at Hobs Moat 6pm.