Barons have Wild time en route to Final

Motor Nation Solihull Barons : 5
Widnes Wild : 3

19th April 2014

Laidler Conference Play-off Semi-final 1

The Motor Nation Solihull Barons took to the ice on Saturday evening's Laidler Conference semi-final tie against the Widnes Wild knowing they had comfortably beaten the Cheshire side in each of their league encounters this season, but also knowing that knockout Play-off hockey is a whole different game.

The Wild finished the league mid table but the final month had seen the Widnes side take points from most of the league's high flyers, while both the team and their passionate support had worked themselves to a position of belief to suggest an upset was very much a possibility.

The first period was largely controlled by Solihull, with Josh Bruce combining with Joe Henry and Ryan Selwood for the Barons first goal on eleven minutes. Hopes to capitalise on this were stalled as the Barons found themselves on the penalty kill and the Wild were able to show some of their capability, though with no reward. The Barons by contrast made the most of their own powerplay toward the period end, Perry Doyle firing an unstoppable shot from the blue line which rattled off the piping before finding its way into the Widnes net.

This season, the second period has been where the Barons have normally stretched their legs and eased out a comfortable lead over the opposition. The Wild however were not one for tradition, coming back out onto the ice hungry and taking the game to the Barons. The Solihull side found themselves running into a string of penalties, some fully justified some a bit more debatable, while first line winger Josh Bruce left the game following a slash on the elbow by Wild netminder Greg Ruxton which was missed by the officials. This disruption to the Barons play saw the Wild capitalise, Ben Brown getting a tip in on a powerplay just before the half hour while Bobby Caunce brought things level a few minutes later.

The two sides took to the ice for the final period knowing it was now to all intents a frantic twenty minute long, winner takes all game. With just over a minute gone Eddie Eaton eked a sweetly taken effort to edge the Barons back in front. A single goal however can never be enough in knockout games and so it was to prove, Lee Pollitt bringing the Wild back level with eight minutes to go. Ryan Selwood quickly countered with a shot through traffic to bring the Barons back in front a couple of minutes later. When Mikey Rodger made a short-handed breakaway to give Solihull back a two goal lead with three minutes to go the Solihull fans could finally breath easy knowing the ticket to the final was assured.

After arguably the most exciting game of the season at the Hobs Moat rink the Barons tonight face the Nottingham Lions who won Sunday’s second semi-final against the Coventry NL Blaze in a fast paced and hard fought battle.

Make sure you are at the rink for what should be a great night of hockey.

Barons goals : Bruce, Doyle, Eaton, Selwood, Rodger
Barons assists : Henry, Selwood, R Slater, Hubbuck, Rodger, Papps
Barons MoM : Mike Rodger

Next Home Game Laidler Conference Play-off Final The Barons will face the Nottingham Lions in tonight's play-off final. In the league each side took two wins from the other, though the Barons did so with a much greater goal difference. Play-off hockey is however a 60 minute, winner takes all event and the Barons will be looking to their loyal support to edge what should be a closely fought battle. Make sure you are there !!! Monday 21st April Laidler Conference Final Face-off : 6:30pm Adults £10 : Concessions £5 Pay on the door