Barons extinguish fired-up Dragons !

by Gareth Thomson

Sunday night saw the Sheldon Jewellery Centre Solihull Barons chalk up a decisive win against title rivals the Deeside Dragons in what was an outstanding advert for National League ice hockey.

In a thrilling encounter, every single player in the Hobs Moat Rink side showed enormous commitment in closing out their third win in a row in front of a large home support. Deeside were a similarly highly focused side, desperate to get their season back on track after a couple of losses in their last two games but lacked a clinical edge.

The game got off to a frenetic pace with each side taking turns to launch attacks on the opposition goals. Solihull’s Mike Rodger setting the tone early on with a massive open-ice hit on Deeside’s Brian Worrall.

The Barons opened the scoring midway through the first period via centre Erik Bakalar who fired a shot direct from the face-off and into the back of the Deeside net and this was followed up with a second from Rich Slater a few minutes later.

A scoreless and scrappy second period saw the Barons under considerable pressure as they picked up a number of penalties. A strong team performance, backstopped by netminder and Man of the Match Hayden Laverick, ensured that the Barons survived this spell.

A further three Solihull goals were scored in the final period, two from Barons new boy Jake Larkin bookending a fine solo effort from not so new boy Rob Eley. Deeside pulled a couple of goals back in the final 10 minutes but never looked likely to stage a meaningful comeback.

Barons Coach Darren Bellerby was delighted with the win having had to struggle to put together a decent defence for the game. Captain Chris Allen, Phil Knight and Adz Andrews all senior defencemen, missed the game. "It wasn't ideal - I had to move forwards Ian Hunt and Rob Perks back into defence but the whole team played well."

"It was a really important win against Deeside who are a quality side. I knew if we could get through the first two periods we would be able to finish the game on top."

The scorer of the Barons first goal Erik Bakalar was equally buoyant. The Slovak import was delighted with his goal and with a strong performance throughout the game. "I really enjoyed that game. In the last one I did not play so well and it was just so important for me to have a good game." There are three imports in this year’s Barons squad but only two are allowed to play in any game placing extra pressure on overseas trained players. "With imports Chris (Allen) and Mikey (Roger) in the squad it is a big challenge so it is vital I play well when selected. I’ve been playing 28 years now and that was my 101st goal as a Baron but I am still enjoying my hockey as much as ever."

Helping to hold the Dragons at bay for much of the game was goalie Hayden Laverick. Speaking after the match he was pleased with the result. "We had a few guys missing from the bench and there were a couple of scary moments but everyone stood up - a very good game."

The Barons are back on Solihull Ice on Sunday when they face Division 1's Telford Titans in a local derby. The Barons will fancy their chances against a Titans team still match rusty thanks to a delayed start to their season caused by rink refurbishment. Make sure you come along and give the boys your support.

Goals : Bakalar, Larkin (2), R Slater, Eley
Assists : Rogers (2), R Slater, Bakalar, Larkin
Man of the Match : Laverick

Your View !!! So what did you think ? What were your highlights ? Any standouts ? Best goal ? Best hit ? Miss Rob Eley's fight when you blinked ? Predictions for the season ? Let us know..... Facebook Forum

The Barons meet the Telford Titans on Sunday 14th October at the Hobs Moat Rink The Barons take on local rivals the Telford Titans in a Midlands Challenge game this Sunday. While the Barons are in Division 2 for now they will be keen to show the Division 1 Titans that the boys in Red and White can give them a serious run for their money. Make sure you make it down to the rink and give the boys your support ! Face-off : 6pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children)