Bellerby : "The scoreline didn't reflect the game"
by Matt Johnson
   

Darren Bellerby was disappointed to come away from Hobs Moat Road with the taste of defeat on his lips after a diligent performance against a high-flying Blackburn Hawks.

Two first period goals in the space of a minute did the damage before a third at the mid-point of the game capped off a 3-0 defeat and confirmed relegation. The Barons outshot their opponents by 16, but to the exasperation of Bellerby, couldn’t find a way past an in-form Dan Brittle in the Hawks net.



The Barons struggled last weekend against a strong performance by Danny Brittle in the Blackburn Hawks goal.

“I didn’t think the score line really reflected the game.” Said Bellerby.

“They’re a good strong side, but I just thought we played well and deserved to get a goal or two. They’re always going to be a tough team to play and we threw everything at that goalie tonight but we couldn’t buy a goal.

“He’s the best keeper in this league and he should be playing in the league above – he’s that good. When you get a goalie like that who’s standing on his head and you’re a bit of player power missing as well it’s tough.

“We’re missing Richard Slater – he’s the man. It’s why he’s in the top ten of the goal scorers in the division. You need a top quality scorer to score against a top quality goalie and unfortunately we never had one out there.

“But our lads battled to the end and I’m not going to hold anybody at fault for it, they all worked hard. I just thought we deserved goals, but deserving them and getting them are two different things unfortunately.”

Coventry are in town on Sunday for the final chapter of the A45 derby as the Barons look to put an end to a seven game losing streak, their worst of the season, and Bellerby is hoping to have some fire power restored to his front-line for the rivalry tie.

He added: “We’re playing for pride and bragging rights. This is a hard place for them to come and win but I’ll dare say that they’ll be coming mob handed, but I never know with my lads, we have a different team turn up every week.

“I’m scrambling a team together at the minute because obviously I’ve had Scialdone missing and Rich Slater and Andy Whitehouse, so I’ve still got some valuable players missing – and unfortunately they’re all up front.

“I’m not sure if Richard Slater will be back before the end of the season if I’m honest. Andy Whitehouse is definitely out, but Scialdone will be back after his ban so it will be nice to have him up front. He’s someone who can find the net which should help.

“We’ll keep battling on. We’ve certainly made some friends in this league this season and at 3-0 (against Blackburn) I think it wasn’t reflective of the game anyway, but when you consider our league positions, it isn’t too bad.”

Coach Darren Bellerby and Captain Adam Andrews spoke to BBC Radio West Midlands on Tuesday night. This can be heard here - listen from ~1:35 into the show.


The Barons meet the Coventry ENL Blaze on Sunday 4th March at the Hobs Moat Rink

This might be the last chance for a while to see this intense local derby.

Those who attended the first visit of Coventry will agree it was probably one of the most exciting games played at the Solihull rink this season and hopes are very high for a thrilling game this Sunday evening.

Face-off : 6pm
Adults £6 : Concessions £3


TODD DUTIAUME

British ice hockey has been united in shock following the sudden death of Fife Flyers player-coach Todd Dutiaume's wife who was pregnant and expecting the couple's twins next month.

Flyers issued a statement which said: ''The directors and management of Fife Flyers are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Kelly Dutiaume. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Todd at this sad and difficult time.''

This is obviously a massively difficult time for Todd and the couple's daughter Olivia.

Todd has been a stalwart of the British Ice Hockey scene since coming over from Canada in the late 1990s playing for both the Telford Tigers and the Fife Flyers.

At Sunday's Game against Coventry ENL Blaze, Solihull Barons will be holding a collection, all money raised will be sent to the fund currently being set up by Fife Flyers for Todd Dutiaume and his daughter.