Peterborough Islanders face Slough Jets on Saturday hoping to maintain their perfect record in NIHL2 South.
The Islanders, who have won all six league games this term, defeated the Jets 11-0 during November but forward Connor Stokes believes they will present a sterner test this weekend.
“It’s not going to be as easy as the last time we played them – we have a few guys out at the minute and they’ve already seen how we play.
“They have a good goalie and they still managed to get over twenty shots on us last time. We just need to stick to what we know and keep the consistency up.
“We’ve had a great start to the season considering the players we lost over the summer. I think everyone’s still a bit bitter from not getting any silverware last season, especially with how close we got.
“It seems like everyone has a little more fight and determination in them compared to last season – everything seems to just be clicking for the guys.
“I think the number of players we’ve got this year has boosted everyone’s consistency level – no-one wants to lose their spot, which I think has played a big part in our success.”
Streatham IHC captain Joe Johnston says he’s proud to be closing in on a club landmark, but is concentrating on the team’s success in D1S rather than personal glory.
Johnston moved to within one point of overtaking Gary Stefan as the second-highest points scorer in the club’s 84-year history with an assist against London Raiders last Saturday.
However, the forward is fully focused on this weekend’s games against Invicta Dynamos and Solent Devils.
“I was made aware of the milestone that was approaching in the summer,” he told London News Online.
“As a young kid I watched and looked up to heroes of the past like Tony Goldstone, Peter Quiney, Gary Stefan, Craig Melancon and Fred Perlini – to have my name even mentioned with these guys is truly humbling for me.
“I started out like any other junior at Streatham. I looked up to the seniors and all I ever wanted to do was emulate those players and win something for my club.
“To now be the highest British goalscorer in the club’s history and one point away from being second overall in the most points scored for Streatham is truly mind-blowing.
“Despite the personal accolades though, the thing I want more than anything is to lift a trophy at the end of the season.
“It’s what the club and it’s loyal supporters need and deserve and I genuinely believe we’re on the right road to achieving this.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
NIHL1 South
Saturday
Invicta Dynamos v Streatham IHC
Solent Devils v MK Thunder
Sunday
Chelmsford Chieftains v Oxford City Stars
London Raiders v Bracknell Hornets
MK Thunder v Invicta Dynamos
Streatham IHC v Solent Devils
NIHL2 South
Saturday
Peterborough Islanders v Slough Jets
Sunday
Cardiff Fire v Bristol Pitbulls
