What an entertaining season for ALL!

Having had to rebuild the roster, following the departure of 6 player’s last season, we knew this season would be tough having lost valuable experience and knowledge, that the 6 players had from years of playing in this league. Predictions around the ice hockey communities and social media had Barons predicted to finish 6th or 7th place overall, we were always up for the challenge to prove this wrong. The team has worked consistently hard and have really come together, there is a good mix of youth and experience with the introduction of the new player age rules, I think our results speak for themselves.

Early season injuries and suspensions saw extra pressure put on the team, from day one but despite this we remained unbeaten at home in our league games. We pushed on to achieve 2nd spot in the league table, only 2 points short of the top spot having beaten the top place team 3 out of 4 meetings in the head-to-head games. Our season went onto finish in the semi-final of the playoffs. It was disappointing not to have reached the final, however our short-benched team, that set out on the ice last weekend put on a fantastic display for all. I really could not have asked for a better performance from them, sadly it was not our day with us losing out to Blackburn 5-4, but no disgrace for the guys.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank assistant coach Davey Graham for all his support in the season, and also a thank you to Rob Eley for his assistance at training throughout the year.

I would also like to say a big thank you to all the sponsors, and the supporters, who undoubtedly always make our games at HMR so exciting with loyal support. Additionally, a huge thank you to all the off-ice support that help behind the scenes in varying ways. We are all part of the team and the players, and staff are very grateful to each and everyone who gives up their time to make the games happen.

Now for some down time to get the batteries recharged!

Enjoy the summer everyone.

Leepy’

Moralee Play-off Quarter-final

EDG Property Solihull Barons : 7
Widnes Wild : 4

(Barons go through to finals weekend 12-6 on aggregate)

The EDG Property Solihull Barons on Sunday secured their play-off finals ticket with a comfortable aggregate win over the Widnes Wild following both legs of this past weekend’s play-off quarter finals. While the ultimate scoreline gave the Barons a strong win, the Wild caused some early scares coming close to overcoming Solihull’s first leg advantage.

While the Barons headed in to Sunday’s decider with a 3 goal advantage following Saturday’s 5-2 win in Widnes, by 5 minutes into the first period the Wild had eaten into the Solihull advantage. A pair of early Kyle Carruth goals with in 30 seconds of each other to cut the Wild’s aggregate deficit to a single goal. More here

On Sunday evening, following Solihull’s blistering win over the Blackburn Hawks to conclude the Moralee regular season, the Baron’s Phil Lee was awarded the highest recognition the club can give a former player, that of seeing his shirt number, 88, retired.

Having just coached the Barons to their highest league position for nearly 20 years, Lee has cemented his status as one of the most important figures in club history. As a player his record is unrivalled, joining the Barons in 1986-87 from his native North East, he iced for the club a record breaking 17 seasons, only retiring from play at the age of 48, having amassed over 450 games as a Baron – a tally unlikely to be surpassed. He is also number three on the all time assists lists and the only homegrown d-man to sit in the top 10 of all-time Barons goal scorers.…..and we haven’t even mentioned the hip checks which sent many a fast breaking opposition forward cartwheeling and clattering down the ice!!!

We are sure all Barons supporters will join with the club in congratulating Phil on this recognition of his contribution to the club over many years.

 

EDG Property Solihull Barons : 5
Blackburn Hawks : 3

 

In front of a near 700 strong crowd, the EDG Property Solihull Barons battled their way to the runner-up spot in the 23-24 Moralee league in a thrilling game ultimately decided by three goals in the final two minutes of the tie.

For the Barons though it would be a slow start. Five minutes into the first and the Hawks were the first to find the net, a breakaway by Jacob Lutwyche putting the visitors into the lead. By nearly ten minutes Blackburn were two ahead as Lee Pollitt and Adam Barnes combined to move Graham Laverick across the crease on the powerplay and give the latter the Hawks second goal. With no further scoring the Barons head to the dressing room with work to do in the second. More here