Barons wear down Willing Wild
Motor Nation Solihull Barons : 7
Widnes Wild : 1
23rd February 2014
Sunday evening’s game got off to a frantic start with barely a pause for breath in the first twenty minutes. The Wild showed why they have become the most improved side in the Laidler conference and have developed into a much stronger unit than that which went down 14-0 to the Barons back in November. Both sides had their chances but strong goal tending and defence at both ends of the ice ensured the puck stayed out of the net. The final minute of the period saw a scramble on the Wild goal mouth resulting in an exchange of views between Barons captain Rob Eley and the Wilde's Mark Higson which saw the latter coming off the worse.
The second period saw the Barons become the first team on the scoredboard, Joe Henry combining with Josh Bruce for the Barons first goal after two and a half minutes. This was quickly cancelled by the Wild five minutes in, a face-off in the Barons end seeing Calum Riddick with the Wild's first. The Barons regained the lead just after the half hour mark, a short handed breakaway by Joe Henry and Rich Slater saw the latter convert just as the Barons returned to full strength. Five minutes later and as things got frantic around the Wild net the puck came back to Barons defenceman, Kieran Papps sitting in space on the blueline, who rocketed the puck through the traffic and into the back of the Widnes net. By now the Barons had started to find their form and only a minute later a clearance from netminder Sam Hewitt found Joe Henry clear, the Barons making no mistake with goal number four. A further minute and Solihull were five to the good, Connor Hubbuck exploiting the space on the Widnes back post.
The final period opened brightly for the Barons, Ryan Selwood finding Josh Bruce on a breakaway who passed to Joe Henry who went from backhand to forehand for Barons number 6. The Barons continued to press however it wasn't until the final five minutes when the Barons hit the Back of the Widnes net for the seventh and final goal of the evening as Rich Slater slotted the puck in neatly of the back post.
Another win and another two points for the Barons as they creep their way toward the Laidler Conference title. The game however showed that the Wild, together with their strong support, have come a long way since the start of the season and will be one to watch in 2014-15. |
The Barons will take a relatively short road trip to Nottingham next weekend when they take on the Lions. The Lions have had mixed form lately following a number of departures but will always put up a good show particularly on home ice, so the Barons will need to be on their metal to be sure of full points. The following Sunday, 9th March, the Barons play host to the unpredictable Hull Jets, in what will be the penultimate regular season home game for the Solihull. Face-off 6pm.
Barons Goals : R Slater (2), Henry (3), Papps, Hubbuck
Barons Assists : Henry (2), Selwood (2), Eaton (2), R Slater (2), Bruce (2), Hewitt
Barons MoM : Josh Bruce
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| Barons assistant coach, Phil Lee, was interviewed following Sunday's game. Hear what he had to say about the game, the visit to Nottingham next week and his own return to the ice. |
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| Next Home Game |
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The Barons welcome the Hull Jets (nee Stingrays) to Hobs Moat for the second time this season. Hull are always a tricky side to judge, equally capable of being rolled over or giving a tricky challenge to any side in the Conference.
As ever a good crowd is expected so make sure you get down to the rink and let your cheers tilt the Hobs Moat Ice in favour of your Barons as they move toward the title. |
Sunday 9th March
Face-off : 6:00pm
Adults £6 : Concessions £3
Family ticket £16
(2 adults and up to 3 children)
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