The TC Cars Solihull Barons number 40 Josh Bruce is enjoying the Barons run of success and has really warmed to the responsibility of wearing the C on his shirt. With the Barons picking up the points and moving up the league, Bruce is very upbeat and positive about the way the team is running.
”It’s good, we’ve all known each other for a long time and we are coming together well. Being made captain of the Barons was always going to be real privilege so I try to lead by example as much as I can – we all want to enjoy our hockey and have a laugh but then we also know when to get focussed to get the job done.
With two games this weekend starting with Saturday lunchtime’s tie against the league’s bottom side the Nottingham Lions, Josh was keen for there to be no slip-ups with the early face-off and unfamiliar ice.
“It’s been a long time since anyone has played a game so early in the day but we will treat it like any other game and just get switched on. It will be different playing in the big arena at Nottingham but we are used to all sorts of different ice whether it is our little pad or Blackburns massive rink.
“Nottingham are struggling but we can’t take anything for granted. We lost early on against both Nottingham and Deeside and if we’d gotten the points in those games we’d be pushing for 2nd or 3rd in the league.
On Sunday, fourth place side the Solway Sharks will have the long bus trip down from Dumfries and are expected to put on a good show in what should be a very close tie. Bruce is cautious but confident ahead of the game.
”It will be the first time this season we have Solway at home and we know they are a strong side. It’s been a season or two since we have managed to beat them in the league but we know we are playing well and just want to keep playing the same way.
”The likes of forward Iain Bowie and their imports (Marek Charvat and Vaclav Kolarik) are both very strong. The Sharks have a lot of experience but some good young guys too. We know they are always quick, very well drilled and hard working – very clinical. We are playing well though and know we can be the same so its up to us to get the result we need to get.
Make sure you get down to Planet Ice Solihull Sunday evening to cheer your Solihull Barons on and see what should be the top tie in the Moralee division this weekend. Face-off 6:00pm – DON‘T MISS IT !
