London Raiders take a break from league action in Sunday as they travel to face Streatham Redskins in the South East Cup.
Last weekend’s 7-4 win at home to Oxford City Stars was Raiders’ third from their last five games and defenseman David Oliver (above) says things are beginning to fall into place.
“I said from the off we had a great team this season and we’re showing that more and more,” said Oliver.
“Everyone is sticking to their job on and off the ice – moving the puck well, making some big hits and dropping the gloves when we have to.
“Saturday’s win was very important for us in the league and as a team, putting us two points away from Oxford in fifth place with two games in hand on them.
“I felt the game took a long time to get going was a very stop-start kind of game, but once it started to flow we played some very good hockey. It was an all-around great team performance.”
“We have this Saturday off now due to the Isle of Wight rink roof coming off. It’s not great having the game called off, but it gives us an extra day to rest the legs before the Streatham game on Sunday.”
Chelmsford Chieftains take to home ice twice this weekend looking to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games.
The NIHL1 South leaders host Cardiff Devils NIHL on Saturday, with Invicta Dynamos the visitors the following day and two victories for the Essex outfit would see them extend their lead at the top of the table.
Invicta are also in action on Saturday as the welcome MK Thunder to Kent. A run of just one defeat in seven days has moved them up to fourth in the table, with games in hand on all the top three teams.
There are two other D1 games on Sunday – MK face-off against Bracknell Hornets and Solent Devils host Wightlink Raiders.
Slough Jets have strengthened their roster ahead of this weekend’s D2 games against Invicta Mustangs and Lee Valley Lions with the signings of Chris Beal, Jamie Joyce and Jay Ingoldsby.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
NIHL1 South
Saturday
Chelmsford Chieftains v Cardiff Devils NIHL
Invicta Dynamos v MK Thunder
Sunday
Chelmsford Chieftains v Invicta Dynamos
MK Thunder v Bracknell Hornets
Solent Devils v Wightlink Raiders
Streatham Redskins v London Raiders (Cup)
NIHL2 South
Saturday
Peterborough Islanders v Haringey Racers
Slough Jets v Invicta Mustangs
Swindon Wildcats NIHL v Bristol Pitbulls (Cup)
Sunday
Basingstoke Buffalo v Cardiff Fire
Lee Valley Lions v Slough Jets
(Image permission: John Scott)
