Individual News
15th of December 2007
I have been saying all season that there's no team in the league that we can't take on.
The evidence was there for all to see on Sunday night. A great result after a great team performance against Sheffield, coming off their semi-final cup success and a high-scoring win in their push to challenge Coventry for top place.
I know that fans like to pick out individual players but the most satisfying wins for us really are when we come off the ice knowing that we have all contributed to the result.
There was some great defence.That was possible because the forwards never shirked from their defensive duties.
Firing goals in from the point is effective when there is plenty of traffic in front of the goal-tender.
And when you see bodies going down on the ice to prevent shots on goal you know how committed everyone is to getting a win.
It's when you're part of that team effort that you can step your own game up.
Curtis Cruickshank made some vital saves for us and is clearly becoming sharper with each game.
Greg Chambers' goals, of course, were crucial. He has always been smart in how he places his shots and his game-winning goal, after a lung-bursting footrace up the ice, can only increase his determination to add to his goal tally game by game.
I think that we all learn about the game every time Stevie Thornton takes to the ice. So many fans have talked to me about the skills he displays going forward.
As a coach, I value his professionalism in carrying out whatever role he's asked.
On Sunday, I thought his defensive play was just as awesome. Our short bench is a situation we have to accept and work with.
We are lucky to have two outstanding forward lines. The guys are fit enough to cope, but I have adjusted the demands of training.
You wouldn't believe how much more tiring hockey drills are when you're short of numbers. There just seems no time to draw breath.
But this intensity brings advantages in a game, when you're constantly involved and never sit down long enough between shifts to get stiff.
Our best wishes go to Kyle Peto who will have surgery on his wrist in a week's time. We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.
The evidence was there for all to see on Sunday night. A great result after a great team performance against Sheffield, coming off their semi-final cup success and a high-scoring win in their push to challenge Coventry for top place.
I know that fans like to pick out individual players but the most satisfying wins for us really are when we come off the ice knowing that we have all contributed to the result.
There was some great defence.That was possible because the forwards never shirked from their defensive duties.
Firing goals in from the point is effective when there is plenty of traffic in front of the goal-tender.
And when you see bodies going down on the ice to prevent shots on goal you know how committed everyone is to getting a win.
It's when you're part of that team effort that you can step your own game up.
Curtis Cruickshank made some vital saves for us and is clearly becoming sharper with each game.
Greg Chambers' goals, of course, were crucial. He has always been smart in how he places his shots and his game-winning goal, after a lung-bursting footrace up the ice, can only increase his determination to add to his goal tally game by game.
I think that we all learn about the game every time Stevie Thornton takes to the ice. So many fans have talked to me about the skills he displays going forward.
As a coach, I value his professionalism in carrying out whatever role he's asked.
On Sunday, I thought his defensive play was just as awesome. Our short bench is a situation we have to accept and work with.
We are lucky to have two outstanding forward lines. The guys are fit enough to cope, but I have adjusted the demands of training.
You wouldn't believe how much more tiring hockey drills are when you're short of numbers. There just seems no time to draw breath.
But this intensity brings advantages in a game, when you're constantly involved and never sit down long enough between shifts to get stiff.
Our best wishes go to Kyle Peto who will have surgery on his wrist in a week's time. We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.