Jeremy Cornish is confident Streatham can reach the National Ice Hockey League South One play-off final by beating Invicta Dynamos this weekend.
Last weekend’s narrow 5-4 two-legged victory against Solent Devils secured them the semi-final tie against Invicta, a team they have already faced eight times this season and finished above them in the league table
Head coach Cornish joined Streatham in October from Wightlink Raiders and inspired an upturn in form after a poor start to the season.
The 37-year-old, who has spent the last 13 years playing and coaching in the UK, brought a number of players with him from Wightlink and is feeling good ahead of Saturday’s home leg and Sunday’s away leg.
He said: “I’m pretty excited for the play-offs, as a coach it’s my favourite time of the season.
“This club went through a lot of bad years and the fans have always stuck with it.
“We have to play a very strong defensive game on Saturday and go into Sunday confident.”
Club captain Joe Johnson, who retires at the end of the season, will be looking for one last hurrah to cap a fine career with the Redhawks.
“I’ve enjoyed a very long and successful career,” said the former GB junior international.
“I’m sure there will be ample opportunity to say a proper thank you and goodbye to everyone, so I’ll refrain from doing that right now, and just focus on my last few weeks of hockey where I’m motivated more than ever to win a trophy for Streatham.”
Tomorrow’s first leg in Streatham starts at 5.30pm, with Sunday’s match starting at 5.15pm in Gillingham.
Image courtesy of Rick Webb, with thanks
