Stunning Sam helps save points for Solihull

By Gareth Thomson
(with a big nod to Helen Slater & Rob Plaister)

The return of Hobs Moat favourite Sam Hewitt to his position between the Barons pipes proved crucial in helping Solihull return with both points from a snowy trip to Hull on Sunday.

Hewitt playing his first competitive game since early October marked his return with a penalty save, a 95% percentage and a man of the match performance as he back stopped a determined Barons squad keen to gather the road points crucial to their promotion hopes.

It could however have turned out differently with the Barons dealt a heavy blow half way through the first period as first line winger Rich Slater accidentally caught Hull’s Jordan Fisher with his stick. The latter suffered a minor injury, though was able to return for the second period, however the injury saw Slater being thrown out of the game.

With Slater’s penalty and a couple of minors from Lui Brindle, the Barons played half of the first period short handed. This limited their offensive opportunities and it was a strong defensive and goal tending effort from the Barons which ensured they went into the interval without conceding a goal.

A sustained period of 5 on 5 play early in the second period allowed the Barons to begin to play their game and a slap shot from Solihull defenceman Phil Lee was too much for Hull goalie Jack Dalby as the puck whistled past him to lodge itself in the Stingrays net.

The lead was extended a few minutes later as Barons Captain Chris Allen drove through the Hull defence.

The short benched Hull side refused to let their heads dip and worked hard to cut the deficit. Jordan Fisher nicking a first goal for the Stingrays just before the end of the second period.

In the dying seconds of the period Solihull’s Jake Larkin was judged to have hooked a Hull player clean through on goal triggering a Stingrays penalty shot. Netminder Hewitt showed his class however and made sure the Barons entered the final twenty minutes still a goal to the good.

Mike Rodger rounded off a strong points night for Barons offensive defencemen with the third and the final Solihull goal of the night with a wrist shot into the top left of the net. As last weekend, the Barons lead was cut to a single goal with five minutes left but again Solihull hung on for the win.

Speaking afterwards, it was a relieved Darren Bellerby who reflected on the game, “All credit to Hull who stayed disciplined throughout. We were lucky to come away with the 2 points."

Barons face another tough away fixture this Sunday when they take on league leaders the Nottingham Lions. A large support is expected to travel through from Solihull as Bellerby’s roster hopes to rest the points from the Lions. See the Solihull Barons Supporters Club facebook page for more info on the coach to the game.

The Barons return to home ice on Sunday the 3rd of February when they take on the Fylde Flyers. With both Coventry sides playing away that evening it will be an ideal opportunity for all West Midlands hockey fans to get their fix of ice action.

 Goals : Lee, Allen, Rodger
Assist : Andrews
Man of the Match : Sam Hewitt

Next Home Game Sunday 3rd February The Barons face the fast improving Fylde Flyers. Give the Boys your Support & make sure you're there ! Face-off : 6pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children)